1914 Scarce First Edition - The Forest Ring by William C. De Mille, illustrated
Title: The Forest Ring. Founded on the play by William C. de Mille and Charles Barnard.
Publisher: New York, George H. Doran Company, 1914. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 9 " X 7 ".
Pages: 180 pages.
Binding: Good original publisher's pictorial blue cloth binding, beautifully stamped in gilt and white on the spine and upper board with an illustration of an owl framed by a decorative ring (hinges fine, overall worn, sunned and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. A rare find in any condition!
Content: Very good, near fine content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, endpapers inner hinges worn but still tight - as shown).
Illustrations: Profusely illustrated by Harold Sichel with 10 delicate tri-color illustrations by Harold Sichel. The full-page illustrations depict woodland fairies, talking animals, and magical scenes that perfectly complement the enchanted tone of the tale. All plates are present and in excellent condition.
Estimate: (USD 250–400).
The book: A scarce and captivating 1914 First Edition children’s fairy tale, The Forest Ring transports readers to a magical world where talking animals, fairies, and children work together to solve problems and rescue friends. Originally based on a theatrical play by William C. de Mille and Charles Barnard, the story combines gentle moral lessons with timeless storytelling. Sichel’s delicate and dreamlike illustrations elevate the text into a fully-realized fairy world, making this volume a collectible treasure for lovers of early 20th-century children’s literature and fantasy illustration.
The author: William Churchill de Mille (1878–1955) was an American playwright and film director known for his refined narrative style. Though overshadowed in fame by his younger brother Cecil B. DeMille, William made a lasting impact on both stage and screen, and The Forest Ring represents one of his rare contributions to children’s literature.
The illustrator: Harold Sichel (active early 20th century) was an accomplished illustrator whose subtle, moody compositions were particularly well-suited to the fairy-tale genre. His work in The Forest Ring demonstrates a mastery of atmosphere and detail, blending Victorian fantasy traditions with Art Nouveau-inspired design.