Vintage 1977 Soviet Book: Literary Bohemia of Old Tbilisi – Iosif Grishashvili | Tsar to Soviet Books

Rare 1977 Soviet Cultural Study: "Literary Bohemia of Old Tbilisi" by Iosif Grishashvili

For historians of the Caucasus, urban ethnographers, and collectors of Soviet Georgian literature, this 1977 original Soviet hardcover is a cornerstone cultural text. Published in Tbilisi by the prestigious Merani imprint (Издательство «Мерани»), Literary Bohemia of Old Tbilisi (Литературная богема старого Тбилиси) was authored by the renowned Georgian poet, scholar, and bibliophile Iosif Grishashvili (1889–1965).

Bound in rich, dark-blue textured faux-leather boards with bright gold foil lettering, this translated volume captures the unique multi-ethnic atmosphere, oral poetry, and street traditions of 19th-century Tiflis.

The Urban Folklore, Bards & Subcultures of Old Tiflis

Grishashvili’s study stands as one of the most vivid historical accounts of daily life and popular culture in Old Georgia. Key themes and sections include:

• The Kinto & Karachokheli: Detailed sociological and folklore portraits of the legendary street vendors (kinto) and noble-hearted artisans (karachokheli) who defined Tiflis street life.

• Ashugs & Wandering Minstrels: Deep-dive research into urban eastern bards (Ашуги), regional troubadours, and poets including Sayat-Nova, Skandar-Nova, Ietim Gurji, and Anton Gandjiskareli.

• City Customs & Festivities: Cultural chapters exploring Tiflis public baths (Баня), public wrestling matches (Криви), dowry arrangements (Приданое), and traditional folk carnivals (Каэноба).

• Literary Translations: Features introductory poetry translated by Boris Pasternak and verse translations by Vladimir Leonovich.

Complete Bibliographic Specifications

• Title: Литературная богема старого Тбилиси (Literary Bohemia of Old Tbilisi)

• Author: Iosif Grishashvili (Иосиф Гришашвили)

• Translator & Commentary: Nodar Tarkhnishvili (Нодар Тархнишвили)

• Verse Translations: Vladimir Leonovich (Владимир Леонович)

• Editor-in-Chief: Giorgi Tsitsishvili (Георгий Цицишвили)

• Publisher: "Merani" Publishing House (Издательство «Мерани», Тбилиси)

• Publication Date: 1977 (Tbilisi, Georgian SSR)

• Language: Russian

• Binding: Original publisher's deep-blue grain-textured hardcover, gold foil titles

• Print Run / Circulation: 20,000 copies (Тираж 20000)

• Classification: Georgian Cultural History / Urban Folklore / Old Tiflis Ethnography

Condition & Preservation Report

• Exterior Condition: The original dark blue boards are clean, rigid, and perfectly flat. Gold foil stamping on front cover remains reflective and sharp with minimal handling wear.

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

• Paper Quality: Clean, unmarked pages throughout with uniform, light vintage age-toning typical of late-1970s Soviet paper stocks. Free from marginal notation, library stamps, bookplates, or page creases.