Scarce Soviet-era illustrated publication of Nikolai Nekrasov's 1863 masterpiece. This large format children's / illustrated version features striking woodcuts and design by renowned artist Arkady Plastov (1898–1972), capturing the poem's harsh winter landscapes, and peasant tragedies. Nikolai Nekrasov's masterpiece narrative poem was first published in his journal Sovremennik. This epic work - his longest poem at over 7,000 lines - is a poignant portrayal of Russian peasant life, dedicated to his sister, Anna Alekseevna. Plastov's stark, realistic illustrations of peasants battling snow, frozen forests, folk funerals etc, perfectly match Nekrasov's social realism. Plastov, three-time Stalin Prize winner, elevates this beyond typical Soviet school editions. Deluxe post war printing on quality stock; cloth spine, pictorial boards. Issued during Stalinist cultural peak when Nekrasov was canonized as the "people's poet." Aimed at schools, libraries, and educated families as part of cultural indoctrination promoting peasant resilience while glorifying Soviet countryside. Original hardback boards, in original dust jacket. Book itself is bright blue cloth. The dust jacket has nicks and some small losses. Ink stamp to top of rear of the dust jacket. Internally very clean and fresh. Colour illustrated endpapers. Boards have a slight bow. 74 pages. 30 x 22.5 cm