1928 Regional avant-garde

NOVÁK, Bohumil. Deště [The Rains]. Nymburk: Ladislav Fiala, Edice Orfeus, 1928. 19 × 13 cm. 30, [1] pp. Original typographically illustrated wrappers in red and black, frontispiece by Hanuš Bohman. First edition, published as the inaugural volume of the short-lived avant-garde series Edice Orfeus, printed and issued by Ladislav Fiala in Nymburk. A striking example of regional Czech avant-garde book design, with cover and full-page frontispiece by the Nymburk painter and illustrator Hanuš Bohman (1903–1980), who later became known for both portraits and socially engaged graphics. Bohumil Novák (1908–1992), also a native of Nymburk, was at the time a young poet and critic just embarking on his literary career. Deště is his earliest book, produced in a distinctly modernist spirit yet rooted in local cultural networks. In addition to the regular edition, twenty copies were printed on special paper, signed and numbered by both the author and the artist. This copy is no. 19, signed by Novák and Bohman. Moreover, it carries a presentation inscription by Novák on the half-title: "Básníku Karlu Tomanovi jeho věrný Bohumil Novák. V Praze, na podzim 1928." — inscribed to poet Karel Toman (1877–1946), a leading figure of Czech modern poetry. Very good condition. Inv. I1