Brno (Pop-Up Book) – Rare Czech Edition by Vojtech Kubasta
Praha: Merkur, 1967. First edition.
Small 12mo (6.7 x 4.5 inches; 17 x 11.5 cm). Unpaginated [6] double-page openings with full-color chromolithographic pop-up illustrations. Text in Czech and German.
Publisher’s pictorial stiff wrappers. All pop-ups complete and fully functional, without tears, repairs, or missing elements. Binding tight; slight cocking to spine. Covers with minor edge wear and light age toning. A remarkably well-preserved example.
Description:
Scarce Czech-language pop-up book, designed by celebrated paper engineer and illustrator Vojtech Kubasta (1914–1992). Issued exclusively in Czechoslovakia, Brno showcases six vibrant pop-up scenes celebrating the landmarks and cultural icons of the Czech city of Brno.
The six pop-up scenes include:
Spilberk Castle, Janacek’s Theatre, Fair Grounds, The Dragon of Brno, The Moravian Karst, and The Dam of Brno.
The intricately engineered three-dimensional compositions reflect Kubasta’s signature style, combining architectural precision with a whimsical sense of design. Each scene is enhanced by bilingual narrative text and fine chromolithography. The rear wrapper includes the production code "09/12. 505/21/861. D18*70132."
An elusive Kubasta title not distributed outside of Czechoslovakia. Complete copies in this condition are seldom encountered.
Collector’s Corner:
Vojtech Kubasta was among the most influential designers of movable books in the 20th century. Originally trained as an architect, Kubasta began creating pop-up books in the postwar era, working primarily with the Artia publishing house and its international partners. Unlike his widely exported fairy tale titles, Brno was a domestically focused project celebrating national heritage. Its limited distribution and regional subject matter make it one of his rarest and most collectible works.
References:
Kubasta, Vojtech. [Pop-Up Book] Brno. Praha: Merkur, 1967. Soft cover. Six double-page chromolithographic pop-up spreads. Production code: "09/12. 505/21/861. D18*70132."
All books are returnable within 10 days of receipt if not delighted for any reason.