“My Work on Ex-Librisʼs Is Now Progressing Rapidly”: Correspondence Between U.G. Ivask and A.V. Selivanov (1902—1906)

The article introduces into scientific circulation the correspondence between the Russian book culture figures U.G. Ivask (1878—1922) and A.V. Selivanov (1851—1915) for the years 1902—1906. It includes 23 letters preserved in the personal archives of the addressees at the State Archives of the Ryazan Region and the Department of Manuscripts at the Russian State Library. The correspondents shared an interest in ex-libris collecting, bibliophily, and the compilation of bibliographies. The published letters detail the exchange of ex-libris and related information, highlighting certain stages in the creation of U.G. Ivaskʼs classic work, Description of Russian Bookplates (Part 1, Moscow, 1905). The epistolary messages contain valuable information about the personal libraries of the authors, their social circles, and the bookplates owners within their sphere of interest. The correspondence also addresses the complex issue of counterfeit ex-libris belonging to members of the Imperial family on the antiquarian market. Furthermore, the authors discuss the foundation of the Russia’s first association for collectors — the Moscow Society of Bookplate Lovers — and the preparation for the publication of the only issue of its journal, “Izvestiya Moskovskogo Obshchestva Lyubiteley Knizhnykh Znakov”. The correspondence between U.G. Ivask and A.V. Selivanov serves as a significant historical source for the history of Russian ex-libris, bibliography, bibliophily, and book culture in general.