Adam MICKIEWICZ
FOREFATHERS, Part III
with a bust of the author
Paris 1833, p. 287, [1]; portrait 1 (steel engraving); size 10.5 x 17 cm
The second edition of the text of the third part of *Dziady* (the first edition appeared as *Poezji*, vol. 4, in 1832), and at the same time the first separate edition of this work [!], one of the most important in the history of Polish literature.
"The inside title page is particularly noteworthy, featuring an intricate arrangement of various typefaces, accompanied by a delightful engraving by Oleszczyński depicting a bust of Mickiewicz from the medallion by David d’Angers. Below the engraving is Oleszczyński’s dedication to Stefan Witwicki, written in French. The printing of the text [...] is beautiful and exemplary” (Semkowicz 145). “The second edition of *Dziady* is one of the most beautiful of Mickiewicz’s printed works published during the poet’s lifetime [...] Antoni Oleszczyński’s engraving [...] is simply astonishing in its clarity and artistry” (Syga 106)).
B. Zaleski wrote: “I read the poem on my knees. ‘Dziady’ will be our true epic.”
Rare!
19th-century half-leather hardcover [slightly later], SPINE WITH RAISED BINDING AND GILDING, MARBLED END PAPERS, BINDING SIGNED WITH A BOOKBINDER’S LABEL “B.D. HOROWITZ, BUCHBINDEREI IN KRAKAU”
Condition: DB / scuffing on the binding;traces of staining and moisture damage on the pages
