Marie Luise Weissman (1899-1929) / Priska von Martin (1912-1982) (illustrations) - Robinson. Eine Dichtung - 1929-1929

Robinson. Eine Dichtung – Marie Luise Weissman (1899-1929) / Priska von Martin (1912-1982) (illustrations)

München [Munich]: Staatsschule für angewandte Kunst, 1929. 41, [1] pages. 28cm x 20cm. Hardcover with light-brown cardboard binding with hand painted design on the covers and spine. Printed on laid paper. First, limited, and numbered edition of this exceptional illustrated cycle of persona poems by the highly regarded Weimar-era German poet Maria Luise Weissmann (1899–1929). This specific copy is No. 4 of the scarce, deluxe illustrated private printing (Privatdruck) limited to only 50 copies total. Issued in the year of Weissmann's untimely death, this luxury printing features 20 original woodcuts by the German modernist sculptor and illustrator Priska von Martin (1912–1982), marking it as one of her earliest professional illustrative endeavors at just seventeen years of age. The text itself reimagines Daniel Defoe’s classic novel Robinson Crusoe through a lyrical, psychological lens. Across various verses—such as "Robinson hat einen Traum" and "Robinson tanzt"—Weissmann transforms the traditional tale of physical survival into an intense, existential exploration of isolation, identity, and solitary existence. This specific single-digit copy (No. 4) is a notable association copy, featuring a prominent handwritten ink inscription on the front flyleaf from the illustrator, reading: "In dankbarer Erinnerung an die italienische Reise! Priska v. Martin." ("In grateful memory of the Italian journey! Priska v. Martin.").

Some bumping, scuffing, and wear to the corners and edges of the binding, and some discoloration and slight soiling to the boards and spine. The very last page and the back free endpaper have a small hole in the outer margin, not affecting the content. The woodcuts on page 36 and 38 are cut out and pasted on the page (see photos). Noticeable browning and spotting throughout. The text and illustrations are clear, and the binding is solid. Overall, a copy in good condition.