Illustrated Children’s Literature and Arthur Rackham: Signed Limited Edition of C. S. Evans The Sleeping Beauty, 1920

Arthur Rackham

First Edition

Evans, C. S. The Sleeping Beauty, 1920, illustrated by Arthur Rackham, one of the most influential illustrators associated with the late nineteenth and early twentieth century revival of illustrated fairy tale literature in Britain. Rackham’s work helped define the visual culture of children’s literature during the period often called the Golden Age of Illustration, when artists produced elaborate pictorial interpretations of traditional fairy tales and folklore. His illustrations for The Sleeping Beauty draw upon the long European storytelling tradition surrounding the tale while presenting the narrative through Rackham’s distinctive style of silhouette imagery and decorative line.

Evans, C. S. The Sleeping Beauty. London: William Heinemann, 1920. First edition. Edition de Luxe limited to 625 numbered copies, this copy number 440 and signed by the illustrator Arthur Rackham. The volume contains numerous illustrations by Rackham, including nineteen full page silhouette plates, several incorporating color, together with forty one in text silhouette illustrations integrated throughout the narrative. The work presents Rackham’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale through a combination of dramatic silhouette imagery and decorative illustration characteristic of his mature artistic style.

Rackham’s illustrated books played a major role in shaping twentieth century visual interpretations of European fairy tales and folklore. His work appeared during a period when publishers issued deluxe illustrated editions intended to unite literary tradition with high quality artistic design. Rackham’s silhouette compositions in particular demonstrate his interest in expressive line and atmospheric storytelling through graphic form. Quarto volume bound in original vellum backed gilt stamped paper covered boards with top edge gilt and other edges uncut. Light rubbing and age toning to boards with minor surface soiling. Overall very good condition. A signed limited edition example of Rackham’s interpretation of the classic fairy tale.

Item #16131

Price: $850.00