1930 Rare Book - East of the Sun and West of the Moon Illustrated by Kay Nielsen
Author: [Anonymous]. Illustrated by Kay Nielsen and V. Candell.
Title: East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North.
Publisher: Garden City, New York, Garden City Publishing Company, Inc., circa 1930.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 9 x 6.5 inches.
Pages: 204 pages.
Binding: Very good original publisher’s cloth binding, pictorially decorated to the front board and spine in bright colors. A clean and solid copy, well-preserved and attractive on the shelf.
Dust Jacket: Good original dust jacket present, an increasingly scarce survival. In good condition, though worn and fragile, with notable soiling, chipping, and edge losses, as shown. Despite these flaws, its presence significantly enhances the copy's desirability and collectibility. Under a protective, removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content, clean and complete, with light general toning to the text pages only, as expected, name of a previous 1934 owner on the first endpaper as shown.
Illustrations: Profusely illustrated, including eight striking color plates and numerous black-and-white decorations by Kay Nielsen, one of the great illustrators of the Golden Age, alongside contributions by V. Candell. The plates retain strong color and visual impact. Complete.
Estimate: (USD 200–250).
The book: A captivating collection of Norwegian fairy tales, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, stands as one of the most celebrated illustrated books of the early 20th century. This Garden City edition brings the magic of these northern legends to life through the visionary artistry of Kay Nielsen, whose ethereal, stylized compositions helped define the Golden Age of Illustration. Blending romance, mystery, and myth, these tales have enchanted generations of readers. Copies retaining their original dust jacket, even in worn condition, are increasingly sought after, making this an appealing and collectible example.
The author: The tales in this volume originate from traditional Norwegian folklore, collected and popularized in the 19th century by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe. Their work preserved a rich oral tradition, introducing these enduring stories to a wider audience and securing their place alongside the great fairy tales of Europe.
The illustrators: Kay Nielsen (1886–1957) was a Danish illustrator whose work is among the most distinctive and refined of the Golden Age. Known for his elegant line, decorative richness, and dreamlike compositions, Nielsen brought a uniquely modern sensibility to fairy tale illustration. His work on East of the Sun and West of the Moon remains one of his most iconic achievements.
Victor Candell, though less widely known, contributed decorative elements that complement the volume’s visual harmony and enhance its overall aesthetic appeal.