Original antique book published in Kiev in 1888, devoted to the history and architecture of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv.
The French title reads:
“Notice sur l’Église Cathédrale Sainte Sophie de Kiev”
The book was printed in Kiev by the printing establishment of S. V. Kulzhenko, one of the notable historical printing houses of the city.
The entire book is written in French and contains 90 pages devoted to the history, architecture and religious significance of Saint Sophia Cathedral.
The preliminary pages retain the original censorship approval dated December 9, 1887, while the title page gives the publication date 1888.
The book is primarily a textual publication.
It contains 5 architectural drawings printed together on a single two-page spread.
The illustrations include two architectural floor plans of Saint Sophia Cathedral together with three historical representations showing the appearance of the cathedral during different periods.
An especially interesting feature of this particular copy is its provenance.
The book comes from the personal library of the important Kyiv architect Pavel Fedotovich Alyoshin (1881–1961).
The volume has an attractive period red cloth hardcover binding with a leather title label mounted on the spine.
The title is stamped in gilt on the leather label, and at the lower part of the spine are the gilt owner's initials:
“П.А.” / “P.A.”
These initials correspond to Pavel Alyoshin and form part of the personalized owner's binding.
This provenance is particularly appropriate and interesting because the subject of the book is one of Kyiv's most important historical architectural monuments.
Publication: Kiev, 1888
Title: Notice sur l’Église Cathédrale Sainte Sophie de Kiev
Printer: S. V. Kulzhenko
Language: French
Pages: 90
Illustrations: 5 architectural drawings on one two-page spread
Subject: Saint Sophia Cathedral / Kyiv / Architecture / History
Binding: Red cloth hardcover with leather spine label
Owner's initials: “П.А.” / “P.A.”
Provenance: Pavel Alyoshin personal library
Dimensions: 150 × 235 mm (5.91 × 9.25 in)
Original: Yes
An attractive association copy for collectors of Pavel Alyoshin, Kyiv history, Saint Sophia Cathedral, Ukrainian architecture, Kulzhenko printing and 19th-century books.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
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