Visnapuu, Henrik and Natalie Mei, illustrator.

[ESTONIAN MODERNISM] Talihari (poems).

Tartu: Odamees, 1920. First edition. Octavo (17.8 × 13.0 cm). Original pictorial wrappers by Natalie Mei (or Mey); 102 pp. Printed on thick wove paper; with a small frontis illustration printed in the flesh color used on the front wrapper, and nine small black and white illustrations in the text. Owner inscription to title in pencil; else very good. Item #P003989

First edition of this book of verse, which reflect the impact of "war, revolution, and social upheaval in the life of a person" (102). Henrik Visnapuu was a notable Estonian writer and poet, part of numerous modernist literary movements and publications, such as the "Siuru" group and co-author of the path-breaking Futurist book "Roheline Moment" (1914). He authored several collections of Expressionist and Futurist verse and was an active organizer of Estonian literary life.

With illustrations and wrappers by Natalie Mei (1900-1975), a relatively unknown Estonian set designer and graphic artist who came to prominence during the "New Objectivity"-influenced period of Estonian art. The illustrations in this volume of revolutionary verse, however, are somewhat more romantic and expressionistic in kind and clearly influenced by the linocuts of Ado Vabbe, another important champion of modernist tendencies in Estonia. Includes a bibliography of Visnapuu's works in the back, which provides the print run for certain titles. One of 1000 copies.

KVK, OCLC show copies at Helsinki University, Acadia University, Yale University, and UCLA.

Price: €450.00

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