The Money-Spinner and Other Character Notes by Henry Seton Merriman and S.G. Tallentyre
The Money-Spinner: Rackham Brings Characters to Life for Merriman Stories
Don’t let this peak into Victorian obsession vanish without possessing your own copy!
Buy The Money-Spinner
1896 Merriman and Tallentyre short story collection with 12 striking Rackham character portraits.
- Rackham’s atmospheric style captures cast of eccentric personalities and secret dreams
- Early character studies demonstrating Rackham’s flair apart from fantasy subjects
- An unusual peek into Rackham’s expressive range through morose, grasping figures
- A scarce collaborative turn-of-century character exhibition
Format: Red cloth binding with gold lettering (242 pages + 1 advert page). There is one page of advertisements at the back of the book; one side of the page has “Novels by H. S. Merriman,” and the other side, “Popular Novels.”
Size: 5 x 7 5/8 inches
Text: The Money-Spinner and Other Character Notes by Henry Seton Merriman and S.G. Tallentyre
Illustrations: 12 full-page halftone illustrations by Arthur Rackham
Publisher: Smith, Elder & Co. (London)
Publication Date: 1896
Summary: Boasting a dozen deftly-drawn character portraits, The Money-Spinner and Other Character Notes compiles short stories by adventure novelist Henry Seton Merriman and writer Stephen G. Tallentyre focused on personality quirks.
Though not depicting fantastical subjects, Arthur Rackham’s 12 full-page black and white illustrations capture the writers’ eccentric players with intuitive flair and dramatic shadows. From miserly financiers to fallen preachers, Rackham’s expert eye distills each flawed human into an archetype brimming with secrets and strange desires.
Published by prominent Victorian publisher Smith, Elder & Co., Rackham’s atmospheric contributions demonstration early prowess conveying figures haunted by vices and impossible dreams. Though often fantastic in subject, his resonant style translates masterfully to earthly souls similarly trapped by obsessions. For Merriman collectors and Rackham devotees, this rare collaborative collection stands as a compulsively intriguing character study.
