Paris: YMCA Press, 1967. First edition. First edition in book form, preceded only by the Moscow Magazine printing. Perfect-bound in printed wraps, text in Russian. A nearly Fine copy with minor toning to the covers and one small tear at the inner margin of the front free end paper. Otherwise, this excellent copy is clean and unread. Scarce on the market, exceptionally so in this condition. Housed in a quater leather slipcase with chemise.

This book is the author's masterpiece and considered by many the finest novel to come out of Russia in the twentieth century. Started in 1928, Bulgakov burned the manuscript in 1930, only to re-write and revise it for the next ten years until his death. A socio-political satire oscillating between two realities, one where the Devil and his entourage take a flat in 1930s Russia and wreak havoc on society in a series of amusing escapades, the second in Pontius Pilot's Jerusalem, where he condemns Jesus, despite grave misgivings. A work of unique humor and profound insight, it builds upon the great 19th century Russian predecessors and is now a foundation of the modern Russian literary canon. Near Fine (Item #680)