I enjoy collecting classics of world literature in different editions and I was pleased to come across this beautiful cloth-bound 1952 Heritage Press edition of "Anna Karenina". The translation is by Constance Garnett, which I find more than adequate in appreciating this classic of Russian literature. In addition, the text has been edited and revised by Gustavus Spett, and the translation revised by Bernard Guilbert Guerney. The edition I purchased also came with the prized Sandglass pamphlet (this particular pamphlet had me yearning to travel back in time to 1934 so that I could visit Bumpus Bookshop in London!).
The story of Anna Karenina, the doomed adulteress whose consuming passion for the handsome young cavalry officer, Count Vronsky, and the resulting tragic fall-out, is a classic that has withstood the test of time. Over the years, I find myself revisiting this story, knowing the outcome by now, but still drawn to this tragic yet compelling tale that explores the Russian feudal system, the issues of gender, morality, and religion, all beautifully told by Tolstoy. My only regret is that having no knowledge of the Russian language, I will never be able to read Tolstoy's words as he wrote them, but must content myself with translations instead. In this respect, Constance Garnett's translation gets the job done.
Another highlight of this Heritage Press edition is the beautiful illustrations consisting of lithographs by Barnett Freedman (and the story of how Mr. Freedman came to illustrate this book is wonderfully narrated in the pamphlet). The lithographs also adorn the front and back cover of the book. This handsome edition of "Anna Karenina" will delight any book collector and lover of Russian literature.
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Note on the edition
In 2004 CRW released an abridged version of Anna Karenina in the Collector's library -a collection of very small well-made hardbacks. Most of their offerings in the collection are unabridged but there was the occasional title which would seem to be too large for the small 4x6 format. At some point they decided to go ahead and publish longer works uncut and nice fat little volumes of some of Dickens' novels appeared. Later an entire Don Quixote appeared but with a smaller print than other books in the collection.This year (2010), to my delight, they decided to re-release Anna Karenina unabridged in honor of the 100th anniversary of Tolstoy's death. It's a nice thick little volume. I am happy they decided to go with the standard sized print.The translation is the Maude. If you're going to buy the Maude and not a newer translation, this is THE edition to get. It has a cloth cover, ribbon marker, gilded page edges and a sturdy sewn binding. It's a very well made book that is smaller than the cheapo paperbacks. I was contemplating buying an Everyman's Library edition until I learned they were coming out with it in this collection.Small is definitely beautiful.
Top reviews from other countries
Timarie
This is meant to resemble books from 100 years ago in library collections
Reviewed in Canada on February 27, 2023
Cliente Amazon
Buena edición y buena traducción.
Reviewed in Spain on April 26, 2022
