First edition of a critical political work on Russia by Ivan Golovine (1816-1890), a Russian exile living in England, France, Germany and eventually the United States. It includes several short stories, "the subjects which are principally political, and borrowed from passing events" (English edition), often written in dialogue form. With these stories, perhaps partly fictional, the author tries to point out the shortcomings and maladministration of the Russian government and especially of Tsar Nicolas I and his predecessor, Alexander I. Golovine described Russia as the most "wretched of countries", its population basically being slaves, which didn't make him popular among his fellow Russian exiles. The work was dedicated to Lord Dudley Stuart, who received Golovine during his stay in London.
Some minor foxing, otherwise in very good condition. Binding rubbed along the extremities, slightly worn along the spines, but otherwise good. Cat. Russica G867; Widener Library, Slavic history and literatures, p. 320.