Description:

Kim Il Sung Signed Lengthy Inscription in North Korean Book of Cultural Propaganda: "A revolutionary must always believe in people…"

A first edition copy of "Korean Historic Relics" (Pyongyang, Democratic People's Republic of Korea: Cultural Relics Publishing House, 1980) (No. 809542), printed in English and signed and inscribed in Korean by North Korean leader Kim Il Sung (1912-1994). Unpaginated but containing 227 illustrations, chiefly in vivid color, with captions and many descriptions. Stitched hard binding with an embossed equestrian warrior on the front cover, and gilt facings on the spine and front cover. Isolated light scuffs or printing anomalies found within, else clean and bright. Expected light wear to the covers, else near fine. 8.625" x 11.75" x .75." 4to. Accompanied by an English translation of Kim Il Sung's inscription.

The book is signed and inscribed in Korean by Kim Il Sung on the reverse of the full title page, and across from the first color plate. Kim Il Sung's inscription, in eight lines of characters, is translated as: "A revolutionary must always believe in people and accept the truth that he depends on people: then they will win a hundred times; but if the people leave him, they will lose a hundred times. Kim Il Sung."

"Korean Historic Relics" is described by its authors as a "technicolor picture book." It features the best examples of Korean Architecture (temples, tombs, pavilions, etc.), Painting (murals, funerary art, watercolors, etc.), Sculpture (Buddhist art, tombs, etc.), and Handicrafts (furniture, pottery, jewelry, tools, etc.) created between Paleolithic times and the early twentieth century. Kim Il Sung believed that educating the people about their culture bolstered patriotism. These cultural artifacts celebrated the unique contributions of Korean culture and sharpened his people's sense of their national identity and history. Kim Il Sung was committed to preserving the "treasures of the people" because these artifacts collectively proved Korean exceptionalism.

In the book's foreword, the authors state: "The national culture is flowering freely in our ever-prospering country under the rays of the great Juche idea founded by the respected and beloved leader Comrade Kim Il Sung…" The concept of "juche," translated as "self-reliance," was propagated by Kim Il Sung to mean independence, strength, and self-determination in politics, the economy, and national defense. Though derived from Marxism and Leninism, "juche" was distinct under Kim Il Sung. It symbolized Korean nationalism on its path towards achieving true socialism. A central part of "juche" was Korea's resilience against Japanese and American imperialists before, during, and after the Fatherland Liberation War (aka Korean War).

Kim Il Sung is considered the founder of North Korea. He oversaw governmental affairs for more than 45 years, first as Premier of North Korea between 1948-1972, and then as President of North Korea between 1972-1994. Kim Il Sung's legacy was assured through the rulership of his son Kim Jong Il and grandson Kim Jong Un. Kim Il Sung was declared the "eternal President of the Republic" in 1998.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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