Miniature souvenir or gift edition with the box measuring 3" x 4 ½" , and the book measuring 3" x 4 ¼". Hard cover wrapped in carmine cloth with Stalin's facsimile signature and red flags embossed on the front cover. Another facsimile signature is on the spine, done in the same red cloth over a steel-colored background, possibly a genuflection of sorts to the meaning of Stalin's pseudonym, "man of steel". Published by LENPARTIZDAT, (Russian acronym for "Leningrad Party Literature Publishers"), 239 pp. The title page is followed by a page with Stalin's portrait protected by a sheet of rice paper. The top edge of the textblock is dyed in the same carmine color as the cover. The book comes with the original dust jacket with Stalin's portrait depicting him making a speech, and the original woven silk bookmark tape. The presentation case is also wrapped in red cloth, with Stalin's facsimile signature on the spine.

In excellent condition. The cover of the book shows minimal staining along the top edge, barely noticeable. The textblock is pristine, the binding is tight and strong, the binding staples almost rust-free. The bookmark tape is slightly discolored outside of the book but retains its original color and luster inside the book. The dust jacket shows mild fraying to the top edge, and minuscule corner bumps. The presentation case shows negligibly minor shelf wear, and is structurally strong.

The XVII Congress of VKP(b) took place in February of 1934 and is known as "the congress of the victors". It is also known as "the congress of the executed" as more than half of its delegates were executed or incarcerated in GULAG labor camps during the Big Terror purges of the late 1930s.

Please note that the penny in our photo is for size reference.