A formidable pop-up by the great 20th-century pop-up designer, the Czech artist Vojtech Kubasta (1914-1990). With a double-page pop-up diorama depicting Columbus' three ships, the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María, approaching the New World, all ships illustrated in three dimensions, with string rigging, flags flailing and canons mounted. On the front cover is a view from the wheel towards the stern with an island in the background. Turning the wheel reveals Columbus's itinerary on a map. The rear board shows a portrait of Columbus; Columbus showing the new route to China to Isabella of Castile; the landing at Guanahani and first contact with the local Indians, Columbus s famous egg trick, and Columbus's coat of arms. Said to be the first movable book published in Kubasta's Panascopic Model Series all of which were presented in the same format; a single story bound in illustrated heavy triptych boards, the back covers unfolding to reveal pop-ups standing as high as 25 centimeters. Kubasta's work is among the most highly sought after in this genre.
