association copy inscribed to Berdiaev

Inscribed from the author to existential philosopher Berdiaev and profusely annotated in pencil.

Konstantin Mochulsky's critical biography on Vladimir Solovev remains an important source on one of Russia's most significant thinkers of the 19th century. Having left Russia in 1919, Mochulsky settled in Paris in 1922 and began teaching Russian literature at the Sorbonne. 1922 was also the year which saw Nikolai Berdiaev along with Sergey Bulgakov and many other intellectuals exiled from the Soviet Union on the so-called Philsopher's steamboat.

Mochulsky became close friends with Bulgakov and Berdiaev, converted to Orthodoxy and joined the Brotherhood of Saint Sophia. This study on Solovev was his first published work and was a welcome addition to the literary scene of Russian thinkers and theologians based in Paris. His later publications were all dedicated to Russian authors, with his critical bioggraphy on Dostoevsky, in the words of acadameic George Gibian, remaining 'the best single work in any language about Dostoevsky's work as a whole'.

The present copy is inscribed on the title page 'Dorogomu Nikolayu Alexandromu Berdiaevu ot lyubyashego ego avtora. 24 - XI - 36. Parizh' [Dear Nikolai Alexander Berdiaev, lovingly from the author. 24-XI-36. Paris]. Sentences are underlined and paragraphs highlighted in pencil, most likely by Berdiaev.

First edition; 8vo (23 x 16 cm); presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, 264pp., pencil annotations throughout; original printed wrappers, spine rebacked and covers with repairs, edges worn, a good copy.