1900 Rare Book - The True Annals of Fairy-Land: The Reign of King Herla

Author: William Canton. Illustrated by Charles Robinson.
Title: The True Annals of Fairy-Land: The Reign of King Herla
Publisher: London, J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd. / New York, E. P. Dutton & Co., no date (1900). First edition in this beautiful binding variant.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 8 x 5.5 inches.
Pages: xix-365 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good beautifully decorated original publisher's cloth binding with a stunning Art Nouveau illustrated cover by Charles Robinson. The spine and front board feature intricate illustrations with a vibrant fairy-tale theme. The back board bears a delicate vignette of a fairy reading a book (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown, light discoloration on the inner lower corner of back board - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. A rare find in any condition!
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, name of a previous owner on the first endpaper - as shown, small stain to the inner lower corner of the last endpaper without affecting other pages - as shown).
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout by the celebrated artist Charles Robinson, including beautiful full-page color frontispiece and title page, black-and-white illustrations, and elaborate decorative borders. Features an exquisite frontispiece titled The Wonderful Mirror with intricate gilt-embellished framing.

Estimate: (USD 400 - 500).

The book: A rare and enchanting early 20th-century fairy tale book, The Reign of King Herla is a beautifully illustrated volume capturing a world of magic, folklore, and medieval legend. The book weaves together a collection of fairy stories, including The Marriage of King Herla, Little Snow-White, East of the Sun and North of the Earth, and other beloved tales. Charles Robinson's breathtaking illustrations bring the mythical and dreamlike atmosphere to life, making this a true collector's piece for lovers of Art Nouveau book design and fairy-tale literature. First edition in this stunning Art Nouveau illustrated binding variant by Charles Robinson.

The author: William Canton (1845–1926) was a Scottish poet, journalist, and author best known for his writings on mythology and children's literature. His skill in storytelling blends folklore with an engaging literary style, making his works timeless.

The illustrator: Charles Robinson (1870–1937) was one of the most celebrated illustrators of the Golden Age of Illustration. Influenced by Art Nouveau and the Pre-Raphaelite movement, his intricate and decorative designs have made his illustrated books highly sought after. His work in The True Annals of Fairy-Land is a masterpiece of illustration, blending rich colors, delicate line work, and ethereal imagery.