1920 First Edition - Dulcibella and the Fairies illustrated by Hilda T. Miller

Author: Alice M. Raiker. Illustrated by Hilda T. Miller.
Title: The Story of Dulcibella and the Fairies.
Publisher: London, C. W. Faulkner & Co. Ltd., [n.d., circa 1920]. First edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 11 x 8.5 inches.
Pages: 54 pages + illustrations.
Binding: Attractive and good to very good original light grey paper-covered boards with grey cloth spine; front cover with charming chromolithographic plate of a fairy child and gilt-stamped title “Dulcibella and the Fairies” (hinges fine, overall slightly worn, soiled 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: Lavishly illustrated with 13 full-color illustrations by Hilda T. Miller, each with a decorative illustrated border printed in pale grey. All plates are present and in excellent condition.

Estimate: (USD 300–400).

The book: A delightful First Edition of this Edwardian fairy tale, The Story of Dulcibella and the Fairies recounts the adventures of a young girl who firmly believes in fairies despite her siblings’ teasing. Her journey into fairyland introduces characters like Moonbeam, Shimmerwings, and Peterkin, offering an enchanting narrative rich in whimsy, wonder, and the charm of nature. Issued by the well-known art publisher C. W. Faulkner, this book exemplifies the golden age of illustrated children's books. With its dreamy narrative, feminine spirit, and beautiful presentation, this scarce volume would appeal to collectors of fairy literature and early 20th-century illustration.

The author: Alice M. Raiker is a little-known author of children’s fairy stories. While little biographical detail is available, her writing is typical of the imaginative and morally uplifting tales popular in Edwardian England. Her gentle, lyrical tone and child-focused perspective place her firmly within the tradition of fantasy writing for the young.

The illustrator: Hilda T. Miller was an illustrator active during the early 20th century, specializing in delicate fairy and floral subjects. Her style blends soft pastel tones with imaginative detail, perfectly complementing the magical theme of the narrative. Her work reflects the influence of contemporaries like Ida Rentoul Outhwaite and Cicely Mary Barker, and is notable for its gentleness, storytelling clarity, and ornate decorative framing.