Vintage 1961 Soviet Book: Nikolai Nekrasov Selected Works (Ill. D. Khaikin) | Tsar to Soviet Books

Vintage 1961 Soviet Illustrated Classic: "Selected Works" by Nikolai Nekrasov

For collectors of mid-century Soviet illustration, Russian poetry, and classic children's literature, this 1961 original Soviet hardcover is a standout gem. Published in Moscow by Detgiz (Государственное Издательство Детской Литературы), Selected Works (Избранные произведения) collects the iconic children's verse and peasant tales of Nikolai Nekrasov (1821–1878), framed by a commentary from Kornei Chukovsky.

Bound in clean, original woven cloth boards with charming minimalist cover art, this edition is celebrated for its beautiful interior design and full-page color plates by famed Soviet artist David Khaikin.

Classic Russian Poetry & Mid-Century Soviet Illustration

Designed specifically to introduce younger generations to 19th-century village life, folk traditions, and nature, this 125-page compilation contains:

• Famous Poetry Classics: Includes complete texts of Grandfather Mazay and the Hares (Дедушка Мазай и зайцы), Peasant Children (Крестьянские дети), General Toptygin (Генерал Топтыгин), Schoolboy (Школьник), and Green Noise (Зелёный шум).

• Vibrant Artwork by David Khaikin: High-quality color inserts depicting Russian village fairs, children playing among giant sunflowers, rustic wooden cottages (izbas), and horse-drawn sleds.

• Literary Commentary: Includes an insightful opening essay by legendary children's author Kornei Chukovsky detailing Nekrasov's childhood along the Volga.

Complete Bibliographic Specifications

• Title: Избранные произведения (Selected Works)

• Author: Nikolai Alekseevich Nekrasov (Н. А. Некрасов)

• Illustrator: David Khaikin (Д. Хайкин)

• Introduction: Kornei Chukovsky (К. Чуковский)

• Publisher: Detgiz (Детгиз, Moscow)

• Publication Date: 1961 (Moscow, USSR)

• Language: Russian

• Binding: Original publisher's woven cloth hardcover boards

• Page Count: 125 pages, illustrated with full-color plates

Condition & Preservation Report

• Exterior Condition: The woven beige cloth boards are clean, flat, and rigid. Front cover art and spine lettering are crisp with negligible handling wear.

• Binding Integrity: Firm, tight, and square text block with pristine structural stability.

• Page & Plate Quality: Clean interior pages throughout. Color art plates are bright and unfaded. Pages show standard, uniform cream-colored vintage toning typical of early-1960s paper stock. Free from marginalia, underlining, or library markings.