The Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving (Westminster Edition)
The Opulent 1894 Sketch-Book: Rackham Illuminates Irving’s Tales in Luxurious Style
Along with Rackham, artists such as F.O.C. Darley, F.S. Church, Allan Baraud, and Julian Dix provide additional images bringing to life classics like “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” “Rip Van Winkle,” “The Spectre Bridegroom,” and other enduring Irving tales that cemented his reputation on both sides of the Atlantic.
Format: 2-volume full English calf leather binding Size: 6 7/8 x 10 1/8 inches
Decorations: Elaborate decorative borders in gold and color surrounding each page
Text: The Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving
Illustrations: 4 black and white drawings by Arthur Rackham on Japan proofs. Tissue-guarded frontispieces at head of each volume, thirty (30) leaves of plates, including four by Arthur Rackham, text printed within decorative border printed in green and gilt.
Other Illustrators: Additional unnamed artists
Edition Details: Part of the 1894 Westminster Edition (i.e. First American Edition with Rackham’s illustrations), limited to 175 numbered sets signed by publishers.
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (London and New York)
Summary: Sumptuously presented, this Westminster Edition of Irving’s seminal 1819-1820 collected stories and essays offers Arthur Rackham’s evocative illustrations alongside lavish decorated borders glowing in gold and colors. Though its title page is dated 1895, the edition statement gives “Autumn of 1894” as timing for its limited run of 175 signed sets. Rackham contributes three beautifully-rendered black and white visions from his burgeoning imagination, captivatingly interpreting Irving’s painterly prose. Combined with plush full leather binding and luxurious enhancements throughout, this showpiece publication drips with Golden Age aesthetic richness, permitting Victorian readers to literally unwrap a masterwork gift celebrating two visionaries of fantasy landscapes and dream-like themes. For Irving and Rackham devotees, it represents a pinnacle pairing of talent deserving centerpiece positioning on any discerning bookshelf.
