Turgenev, Ivan S.

Fathers and Sons

New York, NY: The Modern Library/ Random House, Inc., 1961. First Edition Thus. Hardcover. "Fathers and Sons, (Ivan S.) Turgenev's greatest novel, is dominated by the character of its hero, Bazarov, the young revolutionary whose "Nihilism" created a literary sensation and prefigured one of the chief tendencies in Russian life leading to the Bolshevik Revolution. Bazarov has no patience with the well-meaning liberal and humanitarian projects to reform Russia. The whole system has to be smashed in the name of "science." The ideals of "the fathers," their patriotism, their art and religion stand in the way of progress. And Bazarov, who concedes nothing to love, fear, joy, and sorrow, values progress above all else." (from front flap) The classic, world-influencing novel by Ivan S(ergheievich) Turgenev (1818-1883), the canonical Russian author. First published in Russia during 1862, offered here is the first Modern Library edition thus of 1961, then-newly translated into English from the Russian by Bernard G(uilbert) Guerney (1894-1979), the acclaimed Russian-born American bookseller & translator. Hardcover in unclipped dust jacket, first edition thus, presumed first printing with no references to further printings at copyright page. An exemplary, compact & attractive Modern Library production; a canonical Turgenev work in a significant & collectible form. Book in fine condition with mild-to-moderate rubbing at/near edges & corners of blue-cloth front, back covers & spine incl. very small areas with loss of surface color (covers & spine, gilt & red letters, graphics thereon quite bright & intact); light browning, rubbing to side & lower edges of text block; mild rubbing, fading & occasional faint scratching at red-dyed upper edge of same. Interior fine-to-very-fine with only slight browning mostly to blank margins/edges of page leaves; signatures of previous owner both dated June 22, 1964 in lighter blue ink at upper edge of front paste-down, blank verso of front endpaper; miniscule bumps at corners of a few page leaves. Dust jacket near-fine with mild rubbing, browning & scratching to front, back covers, spine & flaps; mild-to-moderate wear at edges & corners of same incl. tiny bumps, creases, a few short, mostly closed tears with slight loss of paper, surface paper esp. at upper spine-edge, corners. Fine / Near Fine. [Item #5493]

Price: $20.00