ILIN, M. (Ilya Marshak)

December 1931 reprint. In distinctive rough-woven cloth, 218pp.. Striking two-tone design to upper cover and b/w illustrations inside. Publisher's list bound in back (all on Russia). In good condition. Tight and clean inside. Light beige cloth now a little age-darkened, front free endpaper snipped out else good to very good. Il’ia Marshak (1896-1953), elder brother of the celebrated Russian children's author Samuil, wrote under the pseudonym Mikhail Il’in and specialised in presenting complex scientific topics to a young audience. The present volume with covers and illustrations superbly illustrated by William Kermode in the 'Soviet' style. Kermode was particularly acclaimed for his lino-cuts, an unusual medium at the time. His designs show influence from Russian Constructivism.First published in 1931 and reprinted several times between August and December that year.