


Lot BK-012
Blueprint for a Refined Life: “The Book of Wealth and Beautiful Living” – 1914 Moscow Edition with Historical Inscriptions
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Lot Highlights
Description
This extraordinary lot features a rare and intriguing publication from the early 20th century: The Book of Wealth and Beautiful Living, issued in 1914 by the publishing house New Life and Science under the direction of P.A. Martynov in Moscow. Translated from the 20th international edition, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the philosophical and practical ideals of personal prosperity, elegance, and self-cultivation during the final years of Imperial Russia. A firm notice printed inside prohibits excerpts and reprints, backed by a 1911 legal decree—an indication of the value placed on the content at the time of publication.
Positioned within the pre-revolutionary self-improvement movement, the book is both a guide to refined living and a philosophical treatise on the art of success. Drawing upon contemporary ideas in metaphysical thought, personal magnetism, financial ethics, and the aesthetics of a well-lived life, it reflects a cultural thirst for beauty, abundance, and moral clarity. This is not merely a manual for acquiring wealth—it is a blueprint for graceful and intentional living.
Of notable interest are the historical markings within the book: an inked stamp numbered 274b with the location Zagreb, and a handwritten annotation dated May 1915 from Sevastopol. These details evoke a vivid journey—one in which the book passed through hands and borders during a period soon to be shaken by global war and revolution.
Rarity and Value
The rarity of this edition lies in both its limited print run and its remarkable survival through more than a century of upheaval. The combination of its bold philosophical message, elegant pre-revolutionary design, and personal historical annotations make this a true collector’s item. Its protected publication status at the time and excellent preservation today elevate its value for bibliophiles, historians, and collectors of cultural artifacts.
Discovery
This volume originated from a private library of rare metaphysical and self-development texts. Its documented presence in Sevastopol in 1915, along with a stamped record of its passage through Zagreb, places it at a crossroads of Eastern European cultural and intellectual exchange during a time of dramatic transformation.
Human Touch
More than a printed volume, this book served as a personal guide and ideological compass for readers in search of beauty, meaning, and success. The handwritten signature and stamped seal speak to its journey through time, its impact on individuals now lost to history, and its survival as a vessel of enduring wisdom. The Book of Wealth and Beautiful Living remains a testament to the timeless human pursuit of prosperity—not only material but also spiritual and intentional in nature.
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Thank you for your interest
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We will never pass your personal information to anyone outside of Artefactum Gallery for their own marketing purposes without your consent. For more information about how we processes your data, please click here to read our Privacy Notice.