1929 Rare Signed Edition #458 - The Vicar of Wakefield Illustrated by Rackham

A signed, numbered copy of Arthur Rackham’s illustrated 1929 edition of Oliver Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield, in the publisher’s original gilt-decorated vellum binding.

Author: Oliver Goldsmith. Illustrated and signed by Arthur Rackham.
Title: The Vicar of Wakefield.
Publisher: London, George G. Harrap & Company Ltd., 1929.
Edition: Signed limited edition; copy no. 458 of 575 copies in the English issue, with Rackham’s signature on the limitation page.
Language: English.
Pages: 231.
Size: 10.5 × 8 inches.
Binding: Publisher’s original full vellum, gilt-stamped on the front cover and spine with ornamental border and floral decoration; top edge gilt. Hinges sound. Light scuffing and handling wear, gentle toning, and slight bowing of the covers, as shown in the photographs. Removable protective Mylar cover.
Content: Text block bright, tight and clean, with wide margins; foxing chiefly on the preliminary and final leaves, as shown.
Illustrations: Colour frontispiece and eleven mounted colour plates, together with numerous line drawings by Arthur Rackham. All plates present.

Estimate: USD 900–1,500.

The book: First published in 1766, The Vicar of Wakefield follows Dr. Primrose and his family through financial loss, deception and imprisonment, exploring domestic affection, faith and resilience.

This 1929 Harrap edition brings together Goldsmith’s novel and Rackham’s illustrations in a signed, numbered issue. The original gilt-decorated vellum binding, mounted colour plates and surviving signed limitation page are central bibliographical features of this copy.

The author: Oliver Goldsmith (1728–1774) was an Irish novelist, poet and playwright. The Vicar of Wakefield, published in 1766, is among his best-known works, alongside The Deserted Village and She Stoops to Conquer.

The illustrator: Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) was a British book illustrator known for his distinctive pen-and-ink drawings and watercolours. His work appeared in numerous illustrated literary editions in the early twentieth century.