Arthur Rackham’s Foray into Irving’s Sketch-Book

Format: 2-volume red cloth hardcover set with holly gold stamping

Size: 5 1⁄2 x 8 inches

Text: The Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving

Illustrations: 3 black and white drawings by Arthur Rackham on Japan proofs

Other Illustrators: Additional unnamed artists

Edition Details: 1894 Holly Edition, limited to 1,000 numbered sets signed by publisher

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (London and New York)

Summary: This special 1894 holiday edition of Washington Irving’s beloved collected sketches and tales The Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. contains three atmospheric black and white illustrations by Arthur Rackham.

Issued in a two-volume red cloth set with decorative holly stamping in gold and gilt top-staining, Rackham’s faithful yet imaginative renditions of iconic scenes complement additional drawings by uncredited artists.

His striking images, presented as Japan proofs, bring an extra dream-like quality to Irving’s visionary prose sketches of England and America.

Limited to only 1000 numbered copies signed by publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons, this turn-of-the-century printing captures both masters at peak powers, melding Rackham’s emerging command of whimsical human and natural forms with Irving’s painterly insights into fading legends and landscapes. It marks one of Rackham’s earliest engagements with fantasy fiction, presaging his future fame illuminating fairy worlds.

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