I love to collect and read vintage books. There’s something about the pages, the smell, and the wording that I find more alluring than most modern day books. I also love fairytales, both the originals and Disney remakes.
For Christmas, I was given a very special gift, the Arthur Rackham illustrated Sleeping Beauty and Cinderelle Fairy Tale Books. These are a 1970 reprint from the original 1911 work, and the copies are brand new and not used or damaged in the slightest.
A bit of information about the books:
Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) was one of the premier illustrators of the early 20th Century. He illustrated many books, the first of which was published in 1893. Throughout his career he had developed a very individual style that is was to influence a whole generation of children, artists and other illustrators. His haunting humour and dreamlike romance adds to the enchantment and fantasy of children’s literature.
The incredible illustrations are all black ink with colored accents, but his work of shadows and intricate details is stunning.
Here’s one of my favorites from Sleeping Beauty.
There’s something haunting and beautiful about the original tellings of some of my favorite fairytales. These books were such a special gift and a great addition to my collection.
Beautiful books! Fairy tale books with beautiful illustrations are to be highly coveted; I had to find a less used copy of the book of Golden Fairy Tales that my parents read to me as a child for my own kids. The illustrations are such a big part of the reading experience, particularly when you are being read to, I think.
What fairy tale illustrations do you remember most clearly from your childhood?
My mom said she searched far and wide! I vividly remember those of sleeping beauty, which is probably why I am so drawn to this copy.