The Death of Ivan the Terrible: A Tragedy in Five Acts
London: F.B. Kitto, 1869.
First British edition. [Line p. 30] xxxi, [v], 144 pp. Publisher's brown cloth ruled in black with gilt spine lettering, brown endpapers. A Very Good+ copy with light wear to cloth, two tiny chips to front free endpaper, former owner's name on half title in ink, light foxing to contents.
A historical drama in blank verse by Russian Count Aleksey Konstantinovich Tolstoy (1817-1875), second cousin of writer Leo Tolstoy, mainly known today for his 1841 horror novella The Vampire. He was one of the most influential Russian authors and playwrights of his time. He was also the personal aide-de-camp to Alexander II from 1856-1859. In his later years his influence with the czar declined and his works became more satirical; many of them such as this play were initially banned.
Price: $300.00