[RUSSIAN LITERATURE] - ČAÂNOV (Aleksandr Vasil'evič). Венецианское зеркало или диковинные похождения стеклянного человека. Романтическая повесть, написанная ботаникомxи на этот раз никем не илллюстрированная. [Venetian mirror or extravagant adventures of a glass man. A romantic story written by the botanistxand this time not illustrated by anyone]. [Берлин]: Геликон, 1923 [Berlin: Gelikon, 1923]. -In-16, 164x125: 46 pp, (1 blank f.), printed cover. Paperback. First edition of this fantastic tale by Russian econimist and writer Aleksandr Vasil'evič Čaânov, or Chayanov (1888-1937), published under the pseudonym "Botanist X". The hero of the story, the wealthy and decadent Byronist Alexei, buys an antique mirror for his Moscow mansion during a stay in Venice. He discovers that the reflection he projects refuses to copy his postures and actions, but wants to live his own independent life. This is the beginning of a series of unpleasant adventures for Alexei and his former reflection. Original editions of this author, who was shot on October 3, 1937, are rare. They were banned from Russian territory. Čaânov was not rehabilitated until 1987. An uncut copy, very well preserved despite the slightly faded spine and edges of the boards.