The Princess Tarakanova: A Dark Chapter of Russian History.

DANILEVSKI, G. P. (1829–1890); MOUCHANOFF, Ida de, translator. The Princess Tarakanova: A Dark Chapter of Russian History. New York: Macmillan and Co., 1891. First American Edition. Octavo (8vo). xxviii, 252 pp. Publisher’s original blue cloth, with gilt imperial device to the front board and gilt lettering to the spine; top edge gilt; blue endpapers. Illustrated with four portraits, including the frontispiece. The first American edition of Danilevski’s historical novel concerning Princess Tarakanova, the mysterious eighteenth-century claimant who asserted that she was the daughter of Empress Elizabeth of Russia and therefore an heir to the Russian throne. Translated from the Russian by Ida de Mouchanoff, whose substantial introduction discusses Danilevski, his historical sources, and the disputed identity of the Princess. Contents generally clean and unmarked. Previous owner’s 1903 inscription to the front free endpaper. Binding remains sound; rear hinge starting with netting visible. Blue cloth with shelf wear to the extremities, bumped corners, and fraying and short tears at the spine ends; gilt remains attractive. A Good copy of an uncommon early English-language edition. [Attributes: First Edition; Hard Cover; Illustrated.].…