26 - Konstantin Dmitrievich BALMONT (1867–1942)

Konstantin Dmitrievich BALMONT (1867–1942) "Evil Spells—Book of Incantations," published by the newspaper *The Golden Fleece*, in Russian, 1906. Handwritten annotations by Valery Bryusov in blue pencil: “From the papers of A.S. Pushkin—the village of Rumyantsevo in the Moscow region — The Deaf Crowd …” and transcribed verses by Pushkin, attributed and dated 1833, with Briussov’s signature and the date December 25, 1906. At the end, there are five handwritten poems by Balmont, both in the book and on pasted-in sheets, most likely pasted in by Brioussov. Opposite them is a pasted-in envelope containing twelve poems by Balmont cut from anthologies and newspapers. Enclosed is a postcard addressed to Maria Ivanovna Olovianichnikova. A rare work, printed in an edition of 585 copies, which were subsequently censored and confiscated. In-4° format, 120 pp. Konstantin Dmitrievich BALMONT (1867–1942) “Zlyaya Chary—The Book of Spells,” published by “Zolotoe Runo,” 1906. Notes by V.Y. Bryusov; on the endpaper: “From the papers of A.S. Pushkin—Rumyantsevsk. Chud. And Moscow—A Deaf Crowd…,” Pushkin’s poems are written out in full. At the bottom, Bryusov’s signature with the date December 25, 1906. At the end of the book are 5 handwritten poems by Balmont and an envelope containing 12 of his poems published in newspapers. Format: in-4°, 120 pages. MC Provenance -Jurgis Kasimirovich Baltruchaïtis (1873–1944), Lithuanian diplomat and poet. -Their son, Jurgis Jurgissovich Baltruchaïtis (1903–1988), historian. -His wife, Hélène Baltruchaïtis (1908–2004), née Castel-Focillon, daughter of Henri Focillon (1881–1943). -Then passed down through the family.