Lot #38: Vintage 1969 Latvian Diaspora Book: "Saule un smiltis" by Vilis Plūdonis (Tilts, Hardcover

Title: Saule un smiltis: Stāsti un tēlojumi (Sun and Sand: Stories and Sketches) Author: Vilis Plūdonis Illustrator: Indriķis Zeberiņš (Cover & Interior Illustrations) Publisher: Tilta Apgads (Tilts), Minneapolis Publication Year: 1969 Format: Hardcover with original dust jacket Language: Latvian Pagination: 158 pages Overview Up for auction is a beautifully preserved 1969 diaspora edition of "Saule un smiltis" by the canonical Latvian writer Vilis Plūdonis. This book compiles his evocative short prose, sketches, and observations, showcasing the lyrical sensibilities of a master poet working in the prose medium. This volume features distinctive mid-century cover design and internal artwork by the celebrated Latvian painter and illustrator Indriķis Zeberiņš. Collector’s Notes & Historical Significance • The Publisher (Tilta Apgads): This edition was published by Tilts (Bridge) in Minneapolis. Following World War II and the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states, Minneapolis became one of the key cultural epicenters for the displaced Latvian exile community. Diaspora publishing houses like Tilts played a vital historic role in preserving Baltic literature, free thought, and high-quality print production outside the reach of Soviet censorship. • The Author: Vilis Plūdonis (1874–1940) remains one of Latvia's most revered literary figures. Best known for his masterful allegorical poems, ballads, and children's literature, his prose work in Saule un smiltis offers collectors a deeper look into his observational skills and descriptive depth. • Language & Diaspora Context: Written completely in the original Latvian, books from this era served as a vital cultural lifeline for the post-WWII Trimda (exile) generation. They were printed in limited quantities primarily for the community's domestic libraries, making surviving copies in good condition highly sought after by collectors of Baltic history and diaspora literature. Pickup category timeslot {A}