Pegaz Deba
Krakow: Czytelnik, 1950. First edition. Softcover. Quarto. 427pp. Original illustrated tan wraps with black and brown lettering on cover. A wide ranging collection of poetry augmented with delightful essays by one of the celebrated Polish poet of Jewish descent. Originally written before WW II, parts of the manuscript survived the war stored away in a suitcase, the manuscript had to be modified and enlarged after the war. The writing at times suggests that Tuwin not only was aware of the censor's role but "played" with them, which he is known for, particularly with his well known piece: "Poem in which the author politely yet firmly implores the vast hosts of his brethren to kiss his arse." Text in Polish. Front cover chipped and loose, spine mostly gone and block broken into two parts at page 128. Inked note at lower right corner of half-title partly covered by sticker. Block tone-aged with occasional tears and uncut at bottom and foredge. Binding and interior in poor to fair condition. poor to fair. Item #39992
Julian Tuwin (1894–1953) was a major figure in Polish literature and also admired for his contribution to children's literature. He was a recipient of the Golden Laurel" of the Polish Academy of Literature in 1935. Tuwin emigrated to Romania after Poland had been occupied by Nazi Germany, then to France, Brazil, and finally to the USA where he settled in 1942. He remained active as a writer in émigré publications like "Wiadomosci Polskie" and "Nowa Polska." After the war Tuwin returned to Stalinist Poland and died in Zakopane at the age of 59.
Price: $150.00