Boris Grigoriev. Faces of Russia. The Moscow Art Theatre - INSCRIBED PRESENTATION COPY TO IRVING THALBERG

London: n.p.. 1924. Irving Thalberg's personal copy of this splendid Limited production, Grigoriev’s artwork beautifully presented in the form of 30 color and black and white plates tipped to embossed mat pages, separated by vellum leaves. The title page is inscribed and signed by the publisher, “To Irving Thalberg with kindest regards and best wishes, Morris Gest”. Original half vellum over paper-covered boards, the upper side illustrated and titled in gilt, spine lettered in gilt. With minor soiling and handling to cover, light toning on backing paper pages, else fine condition. From the estate of Norma Shearer, whom Thalberg married in 1927. 100 pp. 11 x 14 .5 in.

A remarkable association copy, inscribed to the legendary Hollywood production executive Irving Thalberg who took hold of Universal City at age 20, and supervised such films as Ben Hur and Mutiny on the Bounty among many others. He died of pneumonia at age 37.

The important Lithuanian-born American theatrical producer Morris Gest began his career in Boston before moving to NY in 1901, working for Oscar Hammerstein at the Manhattan Opera House and producing Broadway shows such as Morris Gest's "Midnight Whirl" (1919) with music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Buddy DeSylva. After some false starts in production by himself, he teamed up with F. Ray Comstock and in the 1920s made his reputation by the import of Russian productions from the post-Revolutionary regime, in 1922 and 1923 presenting Nikita Balieff's company "La Chauve-Souris" and later the Moscow Art Theatre directed by Konstantin Stanislavski which reigned over New York drama despite the handicap of Russian dialogue. In 1923, he organised the last U.S. tour of Eleanor Duse and in 1924, he brought Max Reinhardt from Germany to stage"The Miracle." (12317)

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