Bound by Shnel'. Fresh example of the preferred second enlarged edition with a forward by Konstantin Skalkovskiy. Bound by the master bookbinder of St Petersburg, Alexander Shnel'.

Journalist and playwright Pleshcheev (1858 - 1944) was the first to publish a comprehensive history of the Russian ballet. As opposed to earlier works on the topic that were normally dedicated to particular plays or famous dancers, Pleshcheev tried to cover diverse aspects, including different national schools co-existing within the Russian ballet, touring of foreign companies, development of the national choreographic tradition, and dancers that contributed to it.

Of particular interest are Pleshcheev's colourful stories about after-performance dinner parties, anecdotes from behind the scenes and even numerous poems dedicated to the ballerinas. The author does not overlook the ballet culture of the contemporary society, and tastes and preferences of the public.

The engaging narrative and multiple illustrations combined with good quality production ensured high popularity of the book. Only three years after the first edition the second enlarged one was issued containing twice as many illustrations.

4to (29.5 x 21.5 cm); 180 portraits and illustrations in the text, lettrines and headpieces, decorative endpapers, very minor foxing (heavier to half-title); contemporary half green morocco and green cloth by Shnel' (binder's stamp to upper flyleaf), spine in parts with brown label with title in gilt to second part, M.L. in gilt to foot of spine, spine faded, a very good copy.