Lot #62: Vintage English-Latvian Dictionary (Angliski-Latviska Vārdnīca) by J. Dravnieks – 4th Ed

vintage, mid-20th-century copy of the Angliski-Latviska Vārdnīca (English-Latvian Dictionary), compiled by the historic lexicographer J. Dravnieks. This copy is the Fourth Edition (Ceturtais izdevums), published by the renowned diaspora publishing house Grāmatu Draugs. The book features a robust green cloth hardcover binding with gold-gilt lettering on the spine and front cover. The interior includes detailed pronunciation keys (Paskaidrojumi), vowel guides, and structured tables for English numerals mapped to their Latvian translations. As a unique bonus, this specific volume contains an authentic vintage German bookmark/slip from the Stadtsparkasse & Städtische Volksbücherei Süchteln, featuring a portrait and brief bio of Ludwig van Beethoven. Collector Notes & Historical Significance • The Author (Jēkabs Dravnieks): Born in 1858 and passing in 1927, Jēkabs Dravnieks was Latvia's premier pioneering lexicographer. He compiled the very first English-Latvian dictionary in 1924. This book represents a foundational pillar in Latvian linguistic history. • The Publisher (Grāmatu Draugs): Established by Helmārs Rudzītis, Grāmatu Draugs operated out of Brooklyn, New York, and served as the preeminent publisher for the Latvian post-WWII diaspora. When the Soviet Union reoccupied Latvia, over 60% of Latvian writers and intellectuals fled to the West. Publishers like Grāmatu Draugs were vital for keeping the Latvian language, culture, and uncensored literature alive. • Linguistic Appeal: Written explicitly to help Latvian refugees, expatriates, and scholars navigate the English language, this text avoids Soviet-era linguistic censorship and preserves pure pre-occupation orthography and formatting conventions. Pickup category timeslot {A}