Pokhozhdeniia Chichikova, ili Mertvyia dushi. Poema [The Adventures of Chichikov, or Dead Souls. A Poem].

First edition of Gogol's masterpiece. An exceptionally handsome example of one of the greatest novels of 19th-century Russian literature.

Nikolai Gogol (1809-52) began writing his 'paradoxical epic' in 1836 at the encouragement of his friend, then already Russia's main poet Alexander Pushkin who quickly 'recognized [in Gogol] a unique and exceptional phenomenon' (Terras). The novel's first censor in Moscow refused to grant permission and objected to the title 'Dead Souls' and the author's apparent attack on the feudal system. Gogol rewrote some of the sensitive parts and accepted a new title of 'The Adventures of Chichikov, or Dead Souls', thus shifting the emphasis from political satire to a picaresque novel. However, the half-title and title clearly show more of an emphasis on the second part of the title rather than the first. The 'poem' was finally published in 1842 in 2400 copies and Gogol's status of a contemporary classic became firmly established in Russian society.

First edition, 8vo; 475pp. including half-title and title, minor spotting throughout; near contemporary quarter green leather over marbled boards, spine in parts with gilt title to second part and fleurons to others, spine a little faded and worn at extremities, a very good copy.