Beschreibung:

[SUMAROKOV, Aleksandr Petrovich (1717-1777)]. Trudoliubivaia pchela. [The Industrious Bee]. St Petersburg: [Imperial Academy of Science], 1759. Complete first edition series of the first private journal in Russia. After achieving fame thanks to his plays and love lyrics, very popular among the educated youth, A.P. Sumarokov established the monthly periodical The Industrious Bee , of which he was sole editor and the greatest contributor. Published in twelve parts throughout 1759, the journal featured satirical texts against contemporary Russian society. By defying the sole control of the government on Russian journalism, it began ‘the movement towards journalistic independence and opposition to the Russian status quo’ (Terras). RBH records no other copies having been offered at auction. Kilgour 1213 (second edition of 1780). Smirnov-Sokol’skii, Moia biblioteka , 1970; SK XVIII IV, 245. V. Terras, Handbook of Russian Literature , p. 485. Twelve parts in one volume, octavo (170 x 105mm). (Wanting pp. 379-80, first title supplied in facsimile, intermittent light marginal waterstaining or slight age browning, small marginal tear to one leaf, another touching text, few thumb marks or ink splashes). Modern quarter calf, marbled boards, gilt-lettered morocco label (boards a trifle rubbed). Provenance: indistinct inscription (first leaf) – two contemporary editorial corrections – faded library stamp (p. 285).