The Stepladder / The Little Ladder [ecea / Lesenka]

1st Printing of a Classic Soviet Children's Book -1930
1st ed. 16 pp.; stapled wrappers. 15x13 cm.

A short story prompts children to count and imitate sounds of animals as they climb up and down a ladder. Although the initial print run was reasonably high [75,000] this counting book was an immediate success and sold out instantly. "Ladder" was promptly reprinted with an almost unprecedented circulation of 200,000 copies. The book has since been republished numerous times with different artists and remains in print. While simple in concept and design, because of its continuing popularity this first printing is a particularly desirable title. Despite the high press run, only one copy in WorldCat; several copies of the 2d and later printings. This is the only book for children by Elizabeth Shabad. Illustrations by Nina Vasilevna Kashina, [H. ao (1903-1985), a Soviet graphic artist and illustrator best known for portraits, still lifes, and landscapes. She was also a member of the 1930s avant-garde "Group of 13".

CONDITION: Good. A clean bright copy overall. Would rate as very good except that a descriptive paper label [2"x1.5"] Is affixed to the front cover partially overlaying the year '1930'. See photo. We have chosen to leave it intact since it might be of bibliographic interest to the purchaser, but it will probably remove with UnDu or similar product. Spine lightly rubbed, light surface wear to covers, descriptive label partially peeled. Only one staple [an original binding error; lower staple omitted] and the cover has begun to pull from it. Staple rusted at center but has not bled into the page.

Product Info

Year: 1930

Type: Used

Binding: Softcover

Seller Info

BurnsBizarre

Address: 5960 So. Land Park Drive #408 Sacramento, California

Website: https://www.burnsbizarre.com

Country: United States