1895 Rare Book - More Celtic Fairy Tales by J. Jacobs Illustrated by J.D. Batten
Author: Selected and edited by Joseph Jacobs. Illustrated by John D. Batten.
Title: More Celtic Fairy Tales.
Publisher: London, David Nutt, 270–271 Strand, 1895.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7.5 x 6 inches.
Pages: vi-216 pages.
Binding: Very good publisher’s original green cloth binding with gilt lettering to spine and upper cover, and a charming black-stamped vignette of a gnome playing bagpipes (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown
Illustrations: Profusely illustrated by John D. Batten with a frontispiece and six other full-page illustrations, plus numerous vignettes and ornamental initials. All illustrations are present and in excellent condition.
Estimate: (Scarce with no or few other copies of this edition available for sale worldwide).
The book: More Celtic Fairy Tales (1895) is the enchanting sequel to Celtic Fairy Tales (1892), again compiled by folklorist Joseph Jacobs. Part of the "Fairy Tales of the British Empire" series, this Popular Edition presents a further 20 captivating tales drawn from Irish, Scottish, and Welsh oral traditions. These include “The Fate of the Children of Lir,” “Jack the Cunning Thief,” and “The Black Horse.” Jacobs' scholarly precision, combined with his narrative flair, preserved these stories at a critical moment in Celtic cultural revival. A foundational work for both folklore enthusiasts and collectors of Victorian children’s literature.
The author: Joseph Jacobs (1854–1916) was a prominent folklorist and historian, best known for his collections of fairy tales from around the British Isles. His mission was to preserve and popularize the storytelling heritage of Britain and Ireland. Jacobs' work significantly shaped the English-speaking world's understanding of folklore and its educational and cultural value.
The illustrator: John Dickson Batten (1860–1932) was a key figure in the golden age of illustration. Known for his elegant and finely detailed line work, Batten’s illustrations for Jacobs' fairy tale collections blend medieval romanticism with Celtic design motifs. His imaginative scenes and ornamental initials greatly enhance the atmosphere and historicism of these folkloric narratives.