Caucasian Tales. Legends and Traditions

The gift illustrated edition is printed on creamy thick paper with a bookmark of the same color as the headband.
This edition features exquisite tales, legends, and traditions of the peoples of the Caucasus. They were collected and processed by three outstanding writers of their time: G. Dorofeev (1862–?), V. Gatsuk (1863–1910), and L. Chersky (1866–?). The originality and beauty of these stories are reflected in the wonderful unique illustrations of talented artists who worked at the turn of the 19th-20th centuries: A. Apsit (1880–1944), A. Eisner (1872–1942), V. Spassky (1870–1923), and M. Mikhailov (1855–1932).

Caucasian folklore combines centuries-old wisdom, the beauty of ancient traditions, and the worldview of several peoples. Their tales, legends, and myths, passed down from generation to generation, were collected and published in the early 20th century by publishers, writers, and translators Georgy Kuzmich Dorofeev (1862–?), Vladimir Alexeyevich Gatsuk (1863–1910), and Leonid Fyodorovich Chersky (1866–?). In this collection, the reader will find over eighty magnificent texts, supplemented by meaningful notes and wonderful illustrations. These tales will tell of ancient times when majestic khans ruled, and the earth was full of secrets, wonders, and magical transformations. The originality and diversity of the traditions of the peoples of the Caucasus will not leave indifferent the youngest readers or those who have long grown up.

The illustrations of the tales were created by renowned painters and graphic artists. Alexander Petrovich Apsit (1880–1944) was a Russian and Latvian artist. He was born in Riga to a family of workers and studied in the studio of the engraver and illustrator L. Dmitriev-Kavkazsky. In the Soviet Union, Apsit became known for his political posters. Additionally, the artist illustrated the works of world classics, designed magazines, and created greeting cards. Alexey Petrovich Eisner (1872–1942) came from a noble family. He graduated from the Central School of Technical Drawing founded by Baron A. Stieglitz and participated multiple times in art exhibitions in St. Petersburg. Apart from landscapes and portraits, Eisner was interested in book graphics, collaborated with the firm K. Fabergé, and worked with the Ethnographic Department of the Russian Museum. Vasily Vasilievich Spassky (1870–1923) graduated from the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture and then received his education in Paris. Upon returning to Moscow, he began working with many publishing houses, designing magazine covers and illustrating literary works. Spassky also wrote children’s books, created posters, and participated in exhibitions of the Union of Moscow Artists. Mikhail Dmitrievich Mikhailov (1855–1932) was born into the family of a former serf. After studying at the Kozelsk Craft School, he initially helped his father in a painting workshop and then enrolled in the Moscow School of Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. After the revolution, Mikhailov became a member of the Moscow Artists' Union, illustrated books and magazines, and taught drawing to children. The detailed and dynamic works of these artists help to immerse oneself deeper into the charm of the Caucasian tales published in this edition.