KHERASKOV MIKHAIL (1733-1807) Uteshenie greshnykh. [The consolation of sinners] M.: Izhdiveniem N. Novikova i Kompanii; Univ. tip., u N. Novikova, 1783.

30, [2] pp.; 8° cm. In period composite cardboard binding. Leather spine, "marbled" paper. In good condition. Minor scuffing, smudges, and stains on the title page, pre-revolutionary label with a number on the spine, ownership’s inscriptions on the verso of the first free leaf, number on the title page. Uteshenie greshnykh [Consolation of Sinners] is a prime example of M.M. Kheraskov’s spiritual poetry, which characterizes the mystical-religious trend of the entire 18th century and is one of the finest works of Russian spiritual lyricism, depicting a Christian worldview. The poem can be called an encyclopedia of Masonic ethics, presenting poetic expressions of the fundamental principles of Masonic life and articulating a Masonic code of honor. First edition of the poem. In 1787, 289 copies of this book were confiscated from Moscow bookshops. In 1800, Kheraskov’s religious-philosophical poem was reprinted. Represents a significant bibliographic rarity. Bibliography: SK XVIII. No. 8029.