Ivan Goncharov – A Common Story | Vintage Russian Soviet Book, Leningrad 1981

Original Soviet edition of Ivan Goncharov’s “A Common Story,” published in Leningrad in 1981.

This vintage Russian-language edition of И. А. Гончаров — «Обыкновенная история» (A Common Story / The Same Old Story) was published by Leningrad University Press in 1981.

One of the major Russian novelists of the 19th century and the celebrated author of Oblomov, Ivan Goncharov published A Common Story as his first novel.

The story follows the idealistic young Alexander Aduyev, who leaves his provincial home for St. Petersburg. His romantic expectations gradually collide with the pragmatic worldview of his uncle and the realities of metropolitan society.

The result is a classic Russian novel exploring idealism, maturity, ambition, love and the transition from youth into adult life.

This Edition

In addition to the complete novel in two parts, this Soviet edition contains notes and supplementary literary material, including extracts from Vissarion Belinsky, correspondence between Belinsky and Vasily Botkin, and an afterword by M. V. Otradin.

Bibliographic Details

Author: Ivan Alexandrovich Goncharov / И. А. Гончаров
Original Title: Обыкновенная история
English Title: A Common Story / The Same Old Story
Language: Russian
Publisher: Leningrad University Press
Place: Leningrad, USSR
Year: 1981
Binding: Hardcover
Format: Novel in Two Parts
Afterword: M. V. Otradin
Design: L. G. Epifanova
Country: Soviet Union

Original 1981 Soviet publication — not a modern reprint.

Condition

Vintage pre-owned condition with natural age-related toning and signs of previous use.

There are handwritten inscriptions from a previous owner on several pages near the beginning of the book, as clearly shown in the photographs.

The printed text remains readable and the distinctive blue-and-white hardcover remains attractive.

Please review all photographs carefully. They show the actual copy offered for sale and form part of the condition description.

Collecting Interest

A good addition to a collection of Russian classics, Soviet books, vintage Russian literature or Ivan Goncharov editions.

The volume is also suitable for readers studying Russian in the original language, collectors of USSR publishing and admirers of 19th-century Russian literature.