The First UK printing of this illustrated edition by The Blackamore Press, London in 1928. This edition was the first to contain a full English version of the original text. The BOOK is in Very Good+ condition. Number '5' of only 25 copies on Japan vellum (There were also 250 copies on Rives vellum). There is splitting with some light rubbing along the spine folds especially to the rear lower halves but the binding remains very tight - This is more of a cosmetic issue. Light fading to the spine but the gilt titling to the spine and front remains bright. Top edge gilt. Internally clean with the frontispiece, title vignette, nine engravings in colour, and tailpieces by Alexandre Alexeieff. Preface by Prince D. Sviatopolk-Mirsky. 'The Queen of Spades' is an enduring classic of Golden Age Russian literature and provided the basis for Tchaikovsky's opera of the same title. This edition is wonderfully illustrated by Alexandre Alexieff (1901-1982), a Russian émigré who is most well known for his talents as an animator, having invented the pinscreen method with his collaborator (and later wife) Claire Parker. He emigrated to France after the revolution in 1917 with a recommendation to Sergei Sudeikin in hand, he joined the circle of notable Russian artists living and working in the city. After studying painting, he designed costumes and sets for the Ballets Russes and quickly gained notoriety through his book illustrations. Protected in a removable Mylar archival cover and housed in the publisher's original plain slipcase which is a little marked and rubbed in places. A very handsome production.