Alexys Sidorow - Moskau - 1928

This rare photobook is a comprehensive documentation of Moscow during the late 1920s, ten years after the October Revolution that brought the Bolsheviks to power but before the dramatic changes of the 1930s. The remnants of Tsarist architecture of power and the remnants of the old regime are contrasted with images of modern architecture and the reconstruction of the city according to communist principles. In this way, the book mirrors the time in which it was published - as well as being a period of political transition between the death of Lenin and the horrors of Stalinist rule, this book combines traditional picturesque views of the city alongside images that preview the New Objectivity approach of the coming decade.

A comprehensive documentation of the Soviet capital, the book combines architectural scenes with street scenes and images of everyday life complete with the ubiquitous public propaganda and organised demonstrations and parades that people were expected to participate in. The images combine officially sanctioned view of Soviet propaganda along with more intimate views of city life that break through the officially approved view the regime wished to project abroad.

Part of the Das Gesicht der Städte series, this photobook is printed in lush photogravure and has captions in Russian, German, English and French.

Condition:
Very good first edition copy. Former owner's name on blank front page and small vintage bookseller's label on inside rear cover. Small scuffing to edges of spine and cover. Small wear to cover. Please examine listing photos carefully.