History of Book: Exhibition of 19th Century Children’s Illustrated Book runs in Moscow as a part of Non/Fiction Fair

An exhibition of children’s illustrated book of 19th century “Garland of Books and Pictures: Children’s Reading Habit in Pre-Revolutionary Russia” is running at the Central House of Artist in Moscow from November 30th through December 4th 2011 as a part of the 13th International Non/Fiction Book Fair.

The exhibition turns the spotlight on children’s illustrated books, which had been published in Russia during 19th century until 1917. Public will have a chance to see a rich palette of 250 rare books: ABCs, children’s games, children’s books for reading and examining pictures.

Many of displayed exhibits are unique examples of books of that time, which had survived only by chance.

Selected books cast the light on the changes which took place in preparation of publications for children and printing process; unveil genres, specific features of illustrations.

At the exhibition focused on children’s reading habit it will be interesting to follow the co-existence of elite books and examples of mass culture, which came out in thousands print copies and were intended not only for children of noble families but also for pupils of rural schools and public schools.

Visitors can discover children’s books which were published by 12 major publishing houses of pre-revolutionary Russia.