A Wonder Book.

HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham.

Item Number: 122800

London: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd, 1922.

The deluxe signed limited edition of Hawthorne’s classic collection of children’s tales. Quarto, bound in full morocco by Zaehnsdorf with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt titles and vignette to the front panel, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt with others uncut. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham with twenty four illustrations including sixteen tipped-in tissue-guarded full color plates. One of 600 numbered copies signed by Arthur Rackham, this is number 220. In fine condition. Ownership inscription. An exceptional example, rare and desirable bound by Zaehnsdorf.

First published in 1851, when Hawthorne was at the height of his literary career, A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys contains a selection of retellings of several Greek myths including The Gorgon's Head, The Golden Touch, The Paradise of Children, The Three Golden Apples, The Miraculous Pitcher, and The Chimaera. This 1922 Deluxe edition contains sixteen tipped-in tissue-guarded full color plates of Rackham's delightful original illustrations.