Der Kreidekreis
By Klabund (Alfred Henschke)
Published by J.M. Spaeth Verlag: Berlin 1925
"An early and beautifully produced edition of Der Kreidekreis (The Chalk Circle), Klabund's celebrated play inspired by an ancient Chinese legend that would later influence Bertolt Brecht's Der kaukasische Kreidekreis. Written by Alfred Henschke (1890-1928), better known under his pseudonym Klabund, this poetic drama blends Eastern and Western theatrical traditions with themes of love, justice, and destiny.
This 1925 Berlin edition is dedicated "Elisabeth Bergner zu eigen" (To Elisabeth Bergner), the Austrian actress who famously portrayed the lead role Tschang-Haitang in the early stage productions. Bound in striking black cloth with gilt and white stylised cover art of a seated Buddha and bold calligraphic lettering, the book reflects both the Art Deco and Orientalist aesthetics of the Weimar era. The binding features a decorative raffia tie on the spine, true to the publisher's artistic presentation."
A visually striking early edition of Klabund's Der Kreidekreis, dedicated to famed actress Elisabeth Bergner and emblematic of Weimar-era book design. A superb collector's copy for admirers of German Expressionist theatre, early 20th-century stage literature, and decorative European bindings.
Light wear and fading to covers and spine as shown. Light age staining to prelims otherwise pages clean and well presented. Binding is excellent with no loose pages and secure, firm covers. No inscriptions. An excellent copy of a scarce and desirable work. Please study photos to further understand condition.