Абрамов А. Н. Десять моделей. / Рисунки и чертежи Г. Акулова и Ю. Градовского. 3-е издание.
Москва — Ленинград : Детгиз (Государственное издательство детской литературы), 1949.
128 с. : ил. Твердый издательский переплет, формат 22 × 14,5 см.
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Abramov, A. N. Ten Models (Desyat' modeley). / Drawings and diagrams by G. Akulov and Yu. Gradovsky. 3rd edition.
Moscow — Leningrad : Detgiz (State Publishing House of Children's Literature), 1949.
128 pp. : ill. Hardcover, format 22 × 14.5 cm.
This 1949 edition is a classic of Soviet educational literature, published during the post-war era when "Technical Creativity" (Tekhnicheskoe tvorchestvo) became a cornerstone of the Soviet pedagogical system. Written by Alexander Nikolaevich Abramov, this third edition reflects the growing state emphasis on inspiring the next generation of engineers, pilots, and inventors. Released by Detgiz, the premier publisher for youth, the book is a hands-on manual designed to turn a child's desk into a miniature workshop.
The book provides detailed, step-by-step instructions for building ten distinct working models, ranging from simple gliders and sailboats to more complex mechanical cars and powered aircraft. Abramov’s approach is not merely instructional but foundational; he teaches children how to read technical blueprints, handle basic tools, and understand the physical principles—such as aerodynamics and hydrodynamics—that make their creations function.
The text is richly supplemented with technical drawings and diagrams by artists G. Akulov and Yu. Gradovsky. These illustrations were specifically crafted to be accessible to younger readers, transforming complex engineering concepts into digestible, actionable projects. In an era when ready-made toys were scarce, "Ten Models" empowered children to build their own world, fostering a culture of resourcefulness and DIY ingenuity that defined the Soviet "Young Technician" (Yuny tekhnik) movement.
For collectors of Soviet children's books, historians of technology, and those interested in the history of education, this 1949 hardcover is a significant artifact. It captures the optimistic, science-oriented spirit of the late 1940s and stands as a testament to the high quality of technical publishing for children in the USSR.