Unique Album of Photographs. Topolcianky (Slovakia), 1926

1926. Very Good. Stab-binding, beige paper tied with ribbon; 21 tissue-guarded leaves (7.5” x 8”), each with a tipped-on b/w photograph (usually 3” x 4”) in blindstamped border. Covers lightly rubbed, chipped at spine tips and corners; photographs clean and lavishly printed, though some show faint off-setting along the edges, from the adhesive.

Features beautiful b/w studies of the Topolcianky Manor House and Castle – considered one of the purest and most beautiful examples of Classicist-style architecture in Slovakia – and the surrounding landscape. Though there is very little text in this volume, light pencil notations on the inside front cover indicate that the photographs were taken by Jindrich Vanek, and the style, careful composition, and exposure of the photographs (trees, lake, courtyard, and different views and details of the building itself) seems to concur. Lovely.