Andersen, Hans & Whistler, Rex (Illus.) : Fairy Tales And Legends : The Deluxe Edition Signed By Rex Whistler

Cobden-Sanderson, London : 1935

The First UK printing published by Cobden-Sanderson, London in 1935. This copy is from the deluxe limited edition of 200 copies, specially bound in cream buckram and signed by Rex Whistler on the half-title. Cream buckram-bound hardback, with elaborate rococo-style gilt ornament to boards and spine, with titles within decorative vignettes to front board and the spine with matching striking pink ornamental endpapers and all edges gilt. Decorative title-page, 10 full-page plates, 16 text illustrations, 33 head-pieces and 15 tail-pieces all by Rex Whistler. The romantic, otherworldliness of Hans Christian Andersen's tales are perfectly suited to Whistler's artistic sensibility, and his illustrations have elements of both humour and the macabre. Several of the illustrations were created using the scraper-board method. The book proved popular when first published and has subsequently been reprinted several times. An exceptional near Fine copy of this handsome production with the gilt decoration remaining bright. A small neat previous owner's bookplate to the front end-paper and some very light toning to the spine ends. The book is protected in a removable Mylar archival cover. Collectible.

BINDING: Hardcover
CONDITION: Near Fine