The Romance of Leonardo da Vinci, Dmitri Merejcovski — 1938 Edition

£24.99

The Romance of Leonardo da Vinci, Dmitri Merejcovski — 1938 Edition

Name: The Romance of Leonardo da Vinci, Dmitri Merejcovski — 1938 Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5059
Price: 24.99 GBP
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Publication: London, The Nonesuch Press, 1938

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 580.

Condition Report Good. The text block remains largely sound and secure, though it exhibits a slight drop typical of larger, heavier volumes from this era. The lithographed paper boards show noticeable, consistent shelf-wear, presenting with rubbing, surface scuffing, and bumping to the extremities and corners. There is chipping and wear along the spine joints and at the head and tail of the spine, although the gilt lettering upon the red spine label remains perfectly bright and legible. Internally, the pages are pleasingly clean and free from notable foxing or damp staining, retaining a tight structure despite the external weathering, with the top-edge red stain remaining entirely visible.

Catalogue Note This 1938 edition, published in London by The Nonesuch Press and printed in the United States, presents a highly decorative iteration of Dmitri Merejcovski's sweeping historical novel. While the true first edition hardcover variant features a black and green cover, this later edition is distinctively bound in paper boards that are fully lithographed with a wrap-around reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper.

Translated from the Russian by Bernard Guilbert Guerney, the text is profusely illustrated throughout with one hundred reproductions of Leonardo's own work, thoughtfully selected and arranged by J.B. Neumann. The front free endpaper bears a neat contemporary ink inscription reading "Evelyn, Christmas 1938," adding a pleasant touch of pre-war provenance.

Produced as a joint publishing venture between The Nonesuch Press and The Heritage Press during the late 1930s, this edition was issued in relatively generous numbers compared to Nonesuch's earlier, strictly limited private press runs. It remains an accessible and visually striking reading copy on the secondary market.

Dmitri Merejcovski's The Romance of Leonardo da Vinci is an immersive historical masterwork that breathes vivid life into the Renaissance, capturing the genius, complexities, and tumultuous era of one of history's greatest polymaths. Rather than a dry, academic biography, this literary interpretation explores Leonardo's psychology, his bitter rivalries, and his artistic triumphs against the vibrant, often dangerous backdrop of late fifteenth-century Italy. Uniquely enhanced by the inclusion of the master's own sketches and paintings, this edition allows Leonardo's art to directly complement and elevate the narrative of his life.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: Dmitri Merejcovski

Book Publisher: The Nonesuch Press

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 580

Book Publication Year: 1938

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Leonardo da Vinci

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: New York, United States of America

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.