L'OEUVRE DE ARTHUR RACKHAM.

(RACKHAM, ARTHUR).

(Paris: Hachette et Cie. [1913]). 295 x 225 mm. (11 5/8 x 9"). 38, [2] pp.Introduction by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch. No. 54 OF 60 SPECIAL COPIES printed on imperial Japon paper, from a total edition of 460.

Publisher's full vellum, upper cover with fanciful gilt penguin after a Rackham design, titling above it, smooth spine with gilt lettering and rampant cat ornament, top edge gilt, yellow silk ties detached (one laid in at rear). A few vignettes in the text, and 44 COLOR PLATES mounted on brown paper, all with lettered tissue guards. Front pastedown with bookplate of Jean Couchie. Latimore & Haskell, pp. 41-42; Hudson, p. 169. ◆Boards tending to bow a little, half a dozen (naturally occurring) small yellow spots to vellum on rear board, but a very nearly fine copy--pristine internally, in a binding with few signs of wear.

This collection of color plates shows Rackham's range of artistry, from the distinctive fairy-tale drawings for which he is best known, through works in the style of the Pre-Raphaelites and the Impressionists. The present illustrations are grouped in six sections: Gnomes & Elves, Classical Mythology, Fairy Tales, Children, Grotesque & Fantastic, and "Various," this latter group including landscapes of a distinctly impressionistic style. Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) studied art at Lambeth School, where the work of his fellow student Charles Ricketts influenced his development. Houfe tells us that soon after Rackham joined the staff of "The Westminster Budget" in 1892, he "established himself as one of the foremost Edwardian illustrators and was triumphant in the early 1900s when color printing first enabled him to use subtle tints and muted tones to represent age and timelessness." This collection was also published in English in 1913. (ST17023)

Price: $2,200.00