Fyodor M. Dostojewski [Fyodor Dostoevsky] / Erwin Hetsch (illustrations) / Rudolf von Scholz - Der Großinquisitor. Eine Legende aus dem Roman: Die Brüder Karamasow. - 1923-1923

Der Großinquisitor. Eine Legende aus dem Roman: Die Brüder Karamasow. – Fyodor M. Dostojewski [Fyodor Dostoevsky] / Erwin Hetsch (illustrations) / Rudolf von Scholz (translation)

München [Munich]: Drei Masken Verlag, 1923. 50, [3] pages. 21cm x 13.7cm. Full vellum binding with a black woodcut illustration stamped on the front cover, gilt top edge, and red-brown toned endpapers. First, limited, and numbered edition of this visually striking expressionist rendering of Dostoevsky's philosophical masterpiece, this being No. 13 of only 80 deluxe copies (Vorzugsausgabe) issued in the publisher's most premium binding tier, and handsomely signed in pencil by the illustrator, Erwin Hetsch, in the colophon. This beautiful volume features 17 original woodcuts by Erwin Hetsch, created in the spring of 1923, seamlessly integrated into a masterfully designed private press layout boasting bold expressionist initials and a striking illustrated title page. Beautifully printed on heavy, untrimmed handmade paper, it stands as a peak artifact of Weimar-era book art.

Some rubbing, wear and slight soiling to the vellum binding. Parts of the woodcut on the cover board are rubbed off (see photos). Some warping of both boards, but the book closes well. Pencil markings on the verso of the front free endpaper. Pen inscription on the recto of the front free endpaper. Pencil markings on the recto of the back free endpaper. Hardly any browning and spotting throughout. The text and illustrations are clear, the paper is crisp, and the binding is solid. Overall, a handsome copy in very good condition.