[Signed by the artist] Skazochnaya Azbuka. [Fairy Tale Alphabet].

Signed and inscribed by the illustrator: "Dorogomu Yuriyu Nikolaevichu Polivanovu na pamyat' / T. Mavrina / 5.V.69" [To dear Yuriy Nikolaevich Polivanov to remember from T. Mavrina 5.V.69 ].

First edition.
Large-sized edition.


Tatyana Lebedeva (1900/1902–1996), better known by her mother's surname, which she used as a pseudonym—Mavrina. She studied at VKhUTEMAS under Robert Falk. Mavrina was a member of 'Group 13', an association of graphic artists created in 1929. In the same year, the first children's book with her illustrations was issued. As well as some others Russian avant-garde artists, she illustrated children's books since 1930s because it was the only way to stay away from repressions during the Stalin era. After the WWII, Mavrina created her own unique and easily recognizable style — 'method, combining the traditions of Russian primitivism with the painterly quests of the first decades of the early XXth century'. She also traveled through the ancient Russian cities, where she made sketches which later used in her book illustrations. Her illustrations to Russian folktales have become classics. Mavrina is the first Russian artist who won Hans Christian Andersen Awards for her illustrations of children's books (1976).

ABC is considered as one of the masterpieces of the artist. It was produced by the Main office of "Goznak", working only on the orders of national importance. Gold and silver paints were used in the illustrations for this edition.

This book was signed to the illustrator of Malysh publishing house and toys collector Yuriy Polivanov.


OCLC locates one copy of this edition only: in the Canadian War Museum Library.