a fine example of pre-revolutionary publishing

A fine example of the beautifully illustrated work by Granstrem (1843-1918), Russian writer and author of many popular gift books for children. Granstrem's publications hold a prominent place in pre-revolutionary Russian culture as they brought reading to a wider audience and captured the imagination of young adults.

The aim was to educate Russians and broaden their horizons with informative books whilst attracting them with bold covers and numerous illustrations. There were various themes, including geography, the history of other nations, adventure stories and the lives of literary greats such as Shakespeare and Goethe. For this work on Joan of Arc, Granstrem drew inspiration from Mark Twain's 1896 novel Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, by the Sieur Louis de Conte.

8vo (22.5 x 15.5 cm); 284pp., with 134 illustrations, a.e.g.; original publisher's red gilt cloth with Joan of Arc design to upper cover, a fine example.