The Argonauts of the Amazon by C.R. Kenyon
Arthur Rackham Ventures with The Argonauts of the Amazon
Venturing beyond his previous Old West settings, author Charles R. Kenyon spins a riveting South American quest in The Argonauts of the Amazon as three British youths seek mythical Incan gold along theAmazon River. Protagonists Philip, Hugo, and Claud obtain a steam launch to traverse tributaries from Peru to Brazil through lush exotic terrain filled with unknown tribes and legends.
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1901 UK first edition of exotic Amazon adventure The Argonauts of the Amazon with 6 early Rackham plates.
- Highlighting Rackham’s initial commercially-honed style on cusp of signature fantasy fame
- Transitioning from terrestrial to imaginative realms of adolescence
- Remarkable cross-section of Rackham’s development through lost boys’ tales
- Historical literary nexus as fantasy Titan emerges from imperial escapes
The intrepid band face numerous scrapes with dangerous natives and creatures, including a giant anaconda, while navigating fierce rapids and thick jungle. Their expedition builds toward a climax as they reach hidden ruins and become trapped inside ancient treasure chambers. Escape seems impossible until further twists of fortune reveal the real prize is not material wealth but rather brotherhood and wisdom gained.
While adhering to conventions of early 20th century adolescent adventures extolling masculine grit, Kenyon also acknowledges sensitivity as strength. Rackham’s visuals poetically extend this spirit in harmony with the author’s elevated outlook. Though mines and other exploitation await discovery’s wake, the story’s soul resides in the youthful optimism propelling our heroes literally floating above rushing waters toward new horizons.
UK Editions:
- 1901 first printing: Light blue cloth binding, yellow endpapers (305 pages)
- Later variant: Coral pink cloth binding with gray endpapers
- US Edition: Blue cloth binding with gray endpapers and gilt top (305 pages)
Size: 5 x 7 inches
Text: The Argonauts of the Amazon by C.R. Kenyon
Illustrations: 6 full page halftone illustrations by Arthur Rackham
Publisher: W & R Chambers, Limited (UK); E.P. Dutton (US)
Publication Date: 1901
Summary: In 1901, Arthur Rackham contributed 6 atmospheric visions to C.R. Kenyon’s The Argonauts of the Amazon. This boys’ adventure follows three teenagers striving to claim an invaluable Amazon treasure. The UK first printing features light blue bindings with yellow endpapers matching the cover art adapted from a Rackham illustration. Later variant editions emerged in coral pink boards and different endpaper colors. The American edition mimics the blue UK version with gray endpapers and gilt top edge.
While relatively forgotten today, Kenyon’s stories filled gap left by Henty’s death in 1902. Rackham’s quality illustrations proved a distinguishing feature as his fame grew. Balancing timely Thames barges with exotic palms, Rackham visualized the romanticism stirring both authors and youth readers toward fortune-hunting in far-flung latitudes. Though not his best known works, these images capture Rackham’s commercial style before developed his signature fantasy atmospherics.
