The book "Kyiv Now and Before"

Кника «Киевь теперь и прежде»

The book «Kyiv now and before»

This book is not just a historical chronicle, but a work of high printing art. The lavish and monumental edition by the renowned Kyiv scholar Mykola Zakharchenko was printed in the prestigious printing house of Stepan Kulzhenko, one of the most prominent Kyiv publishers of the 19th century. Rich gold embossing, luxurious binding, and exquisite paper transform every page into an aesthetic delight. This book became a true encyclopedia of Kyiv, combining profound historical analysis with rich illustrative material.

The author meticulously illuminates the past and present of the city, covering all stages of its development – from the chronicle times of Kyivan Rus' and the Cossack era to the life of Kyiv in the 19th century. The book's printing design adds particular luxury: numerous high-quality engravings and illustrations, scenic plans, images of churches, monasteries, architectural monuments, and city panoramas.

The richly illustrated text allows the reader not only to learn about history but also to literally see Kyiv in its past and present form. Copies of this 1878 edition are extremely rare and are among the most valuable Kyivological rarities.

            Thanks to its luxurious execution and exceptional informativeness, the book «Kyiv now and before» is one of the most prestigious adornments of any antique library – a true symbol of the cultural heritage of Kyiv and Ukraine as a whole. It does not just decorate a shelf but creates an atmosphere of generational continuity and a deep connection to roots. It is an ideal complement to studies in classical, English, or colonial styles. To give such a book means to express the highest respect for the status and culture of the recipient. It is a gift for statesmen, philanthropists, diplomats, and true patriots who value genuine, unadulterated history.

With each decade, the number of preserved copies of Kulzhenko's edition decreases, making this rarity a reliable investment in antiques, the value of which constantly increases.

«Kyiv now and before» is a magnificent ode to the eternal city, dressed in gold and leather. It is a symbol of the indestructibility of Ukrainian culture and an essential attribute of every significant private or state library.

Size: 30 x 22 cm