Rare 1983 Soviet Book: Architecture of Socialist Tbilisi – N. Dzhashi | Tsar to Soviet Books

Rare 1983 Soviet Architectural Monograph: "Architecture of Socialist Tbilisi" by N. Dzhashi

For architectural historians, scholars of Soviet Brutalism, and collectors of rare Georgian publications, this 1983 original Soviet hardcover monograph is an essential primary reference. Published in Tbilisi by Khelovneba (გამომცემლობა „ხელოვნება“ / Издательство «Хеловнеба»), Architecture of Socialist Tbilisi (სოციალისტური თბილისის ხუროთმოძღვრება / Зодчество социалистического Тбилиси) was written by Doctor of Architecture Nikoloz Dzhashi.

Edited by Shota Kavlashvili (Chief Architect of Tbilisi and Rustaveli Prize laureate), this volume presents an exhaustive survey of the capital's architectural evolution from 1921 to 1983.

From Constructivism to Soviet Modernism & Brutalism

This monograph analyzes urban planning, public infrastructure, and structural engineering across several key eras:

• Constructivism & Early Five-Year Plans (1921–1941): The creation of Tbilisi's first comprehensive master plans, constructivist public buildings, and the Dinamo Stadium complex.

• Neoclassicism & Post-War Renewal (1946–1964): Waterfront embankment development along the Mtkvari (Kura) River, Rustaveli Avenue monumental architecture, and civic centers.

• Soviet Modernism & Mass Housing (1965–1980s): Comprehensive coverage of mid-century Soviet modernism and brutalist architecture, including the Chess and Alpine Club (1973, architects V. Alexi-Meskhishvili and G. Lezhava), Varaziskhevi, Saburtalo, Vake, and high-rise micro-districts.

Complete Bibliographic Specifications

• Title: სოციალისტური თბილისის ხუროთმოძღვრება / Зодчество социалистического Тбилиси

• Author: Nikoloz Dzhashi (ნიკოლოზ ჯაში / N. U. Dzhashi)

• Editor: Shota Kavlashvili (შოთა ყავლაშვილი)

• Publisher: "Khelovneba" Publishing House (Tbilisi)

• Publication Date: 1983 (Tbilisi, Georgian SSR)

• Language: Georgian (with Russian title page details)

• Binding: Original publisher's terracotta cloth hardcover, gold foil calligraphic lettering

• Print Run / Circulation: 15,000 copies

• Classification: Soviet Architectural History / Soviet Modernism & Brutalism / Georgian Urban Studies

Condition & Preservation Report

• Exterior Condition: Original terracotta cloth boards are clean, flat, and rigid. Metallic gold foil cover typography remains sharp and bright with negligible handling wear.

• Binding Integrity: Exceptionally firm, square, and tight text block with intact hinges.

• Page & Plate Quality: Interior text pages and architectural photographic prints are clean and unmarked, exhibiting uniform light cream age-toning. Free from marginal notation, library stamps, or owner signatures.