1911 Rare First Edition – The Secret Garden Illustrated by Charles Robinson

Author: Frances Hodgson Burnett. Illustrated by Charles Robinson.
Title: The Secret Garden.
Publisher: London, William Heinemann, 1911. First Illustrated Edition by Charles Robinson.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8 x 6.5 inches.
Pages: vii-306 pages + publisher's catalogue.
Binding: Attractive and good original publisher’s green cloth binding with gilt title and vignette of a child with flowers to the upper cover, and gilt decorated spine (both outer upper hinges are worn and have been repaired by a previous owner but remain tight and present well - as shown, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown,  endpapers' inner hinges are worn but holding firmly - as shown). Still a solid and well-preserved example of this beautifully illustrated edition.
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout by Charles Robinson with delightful colour plates (tissue-guarded). Complete and well-printed, these illustrations capture the whimsical yet emotional atmosphere of Burnett’s classic story.

Estimate: (USD 600–750).

The book: A desirable 1911 Heinemann first edition of The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett’s enduring classic of children’s literature. This copy is made particularly special by the enchanting illustrations of Charles Robinson, one of the leading figures of the Golden Age of illustration, whose work here brings new life to Burnett’s tale of healing, friendship, and the magic of a hidden garden. A cornerstone in the history of children’s books, this edition is increasingly sought-after by collectors.

The author: Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849–1924) was an Anglo-American novelist and playwright best remembered for her children’s stories, including Little Lord Fauntleroy, A Little Princess, and The Secret Garden. Her works continue to captivate readers with their blend of realism, sentiment, and fairy-tale magic.

The illustrator: Charles Robinson (1870–1937), brother of illustrators William Heath Robinson and Thomas Heath Robinson, was a prolific illustrator of children’s books during the Golden Age of illustration. His delicate line work and imaginative detail made him one of the most popular illustrators of his time.