BANTYSH-KAMENSKII, Dmitrii Nikolaevich (1788-1850). Deianiia Znamenitykh Polkovodtsev i Ministrov,

BANTYSH-KAMENSKII, Dmitrii Nikolaevich (1788-1850). Deianiia Znamenitykh Polkovodtsev i Ministrov, sluzhivshikh v tsarstvovanie Gosudaria Imperatora Petra Velikago. [Works of Famous Commanders and Ministers... of Peter the Great.] Moscow: S. Selivanovskii, 1812-1813. Two volumes in one, 8° (223 x 143mm). With half-titles. Engraved portrait frontispiece of Peter the Great, 19 (of 21) engraved portraits, and 1 plate of medals (of 2), by A. Osipov, A. Afanas'ev, A. Grachov, and others after Ia. Argunov. (Lacking portrait of Romodanovskii and of V. Dolgorukov, some leaves repaired in the inside margin, the fore margin of some plates and the first and last few leaves neatly strengthened, a few small repairs, faint marginal dampstain.) 19th-century black half morocco (recased, new spine label, joints and extremities rubbed).

FIRST EDITION of this important collection of biographies, with portraits, of the leading members of Peter the Great’s inner circle of ministers and commanders. This first edition is rare: AE and ABPC record no copy at auction; the Fekula collection held only a copy of the second edition (sold, Christie’s, 29 November 2007, lot 64, £8500). Obol’ianinov 809; Sopikov 3620; SK 1801-1825, 417; cf. Fekula 2269 (second edition only).

View on Christie's.com