1911 First Edition - The All Sorts of Stories Book by Mrs Lang, illustrated.
Author: Mrs Lang. Edited by Andrew Lang, (Henry Justice Ford, illustrator).
Title: The All Sorts of Stories Book
Publisher: London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1911.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7 x 5 inches.
Pages: xvi- 377 pages.
Binding: A Very Good, Near-Fine binding by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, one of the most celebrated artisan binderies of the 20th century. Bound in three-quarter teal morocco leather with matching cloth boards, ruled in gilt. Spine with raised bands, gilt compartments, and gilt titles (hinges fine - as shown) under a protective, removable mylar cover. Marbled endpapers in harmonious tones of blue, beige, and brown, with the binder's gilt stamp on the front pastedown. Top edge gilt. A superb and elegant presentation, exceptionally well preserved.
Content: Near-Fine content (bright, tight and clean - as shown).
Illustrations: Complete. Featuring 5 coloured plates (engraved and printed by André & Sleigh, Ltd., Bushey), including:
• D’Artagnan will not have his Horse laughed at (frontispiece)
• The Witch gets Pulja down from the Tree
• Bias brings the Oxen of Iphiclus to Neleus
• How Atalanta and Meleager slew the Wild Boar of Calydon
• Bellerophon fights the Chimaera
Plus numerous full-page and in-text black-and-white illustrations by H. J. Ford, celebrated for his dynamic and dramatic narrative art in the Lang fairy books.
Estimate: (USD 350 – 500)
The book The All Sorts of Stories Book gathers an exceptional collection of tales selected by Mrs Lang and edited by the famed folklorist Andrew Lang. Printed in 1911 at the height of the Langs’ literary influence, this volume blends classical mythology, adventure, folklore, and historical anecdotes. The coloured plates by H. J. Ford add vivid visual depth, while Sangorski & Sutcliffe’s binding elevates this example to collector-grade elegance.
This First Edition stands out not only for its narrative richness but also for its craftsmanship: Ford’s illustrations, the fine paper, and the luxurious bespoke binding together create a distinguished copy of one of the Langs’ lesser-known but highly engaging story collections.
The authors: Mrs Lang (Leonora Blanche Lang) contributed substantially to the Lang collections, shaping many of the selections and retellings. Her work reflects both literary sensitivity and deep knowledge of European folklore.
Andrew Lang (1844–1912), Scottish poet, folklorist, and literary critic, is best known for the Colored Fairy Books. His influence on the preservation and popularisation of traditional tales is profound, making his edited collections enduring classics of children’s literature.
The illustrator: Henry Justice Ford (1860–1941) was one of the most celebrated illustrators of the Golden Age of Illustration. His dramatic compositions, distinctive line work, and ability to capture mythic energy made him a perfect collaborator for the Langs. His coloured and monochrome plates in this volume exemplify his narrative power and fine technical skill.