Gorky, Maxime and Jean Lebedeff, illustrator

4to (9 3/4 x 7 7/8 in.; 248 x 198 mm). Contents unbound, as issued.  Illustrated with color woodcuts by Lébédeff, with 30 original preliminary pencil or pen-and-ink sketches by the artist, 8 preliminary woodcut proofs, 25 color woodcut proofs (21 signed), all tipped into 28 window cut paper mounts [as issued]. Extra-illustrated with a color woodcut by Lébédeff, numbered 212/225, signed and inscribed by the artist to Ivan Lamberty, laid in. Publisher's vellum wrappers, covers hand illuminated in pen-and-ink by Lébédeff, gold ribbon ties, within publisher's dark brown morocco-backed patterned boards chemise and slipcase.

Ivan Lamberty, a noted art patron and collector in Brussels.

Unique large paper copy number one (of one), on Japon Impérial with the original preliminary sketches for the illustrations by Lébédeff, as well as signed artist's proofs of the illustrations, and bound in a hand-illuminated binding by the artist.

Usually found as one of 960 copies on Papier de Rives (from a total edition of 1000, the remaining 39 copies being hors commerce or other limited but less deluxe versions).