Book "Soviet Photohraphy 1939"
Place of Production: Russia (USSR), Moscow
Date of Production: 1939
Width: 22.5 cm.
Height: 29.0 cm.
Condition:
Condition notes: A few pages lost, wear consistent with age and use
Description
“Soviet Photography 1939” is a luxurious photo album published in Moscow in 1939, showcasing the achievements of Soviet photography on the eve of World War II. Issued by the State Publishing House for Cinematographical Literature, it contains 66 works by leading masters of the time – from the avant-garde experiments of Alexander Rodchenko to the portraits of Max Alpert, as well as works by Boris Ignatovich, Georgy Zelma, Moisei Nappelbaum, and others. The content covers a wide range of themes: official portraits of leaders (Lenin and Stalin) and major cultural figures (Stanislavsky, Sholokhov), grand scenes of popular life (such as the May Day demonstration on Red Square), images of heroic polar expeditions, and portraits of aviation heroes like Valery Chkalov. The purpose of the publication was to embody the image of the “new Soviet man” – courageous, selfless, patriotic, and devoted to victory – while presenting an idealized vision of unity and progress. The book’s design is as impressive as its content: bound in burgundy leatherette with a gilt-embossed title and decorative spine, printed on thick cream paper with high-quality letterpress reproduction, it presents a truly ceremonial and representative appearance. Notably, the introduction is printed in English, indicating that the edition was intended for an international audience and possibly produced as a souvenir for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. In this copy, the title page and four original photographs are missing. Nevertheless, the book remains a rare collector’s item, highly valued for its unique historical context and the powerful visual expression of Soviet pre-war propaganda.
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