Mystetstvo u Kyivi. Chislo 1 [Art in Kyiv].

Scarce copy of Mystetstvo, an important Ukrainian art and literary journal edited by leading futurist poet, Mykhailo Semenko. This issue was notably designed by Heorhiy Narbut, widely acknowledged as the greatest Ukrainian illustrator of the 20th century. As a result of the Civil War and later cultural and political purges many copies were lost or destroyed.

It seems there is some confusion with the bibliography of the journal with some sources citing that eight issues were published. However, numerous academic articles in Ukraine assert there were only seven. Issues 1-4 printed in 1919, a double issue in July 1919 and then a larger issue of 82pp., the present copy, with a cover designed by Narbut in 1920. As a result of the Civil War and later cultural and political purges many copies were lost or destroyed. WorldCat locates just one holding at Columbia University which has nos. 1-2, 5/6 and no.7 (chislo 1 for 1920).

Chislo 1 for 1920 i.e. issue no. 7, 4to (30.5 x 22.7 cm); 82pp., frontispiece and head and tailpieces designed by Narbut; original wrappers printed in yellow and black after Narbut (replicating the design of the frontispiece), repairs to spine, wrappers a little worn, a very good copy.