1908 Rare First Edition -The Lady of the Blue Beads by Annie and Ida Rentoul

Author: Annie R. Rentoul. Illustrated by Ida S. Rentoul.
Title: The Lady of the Blue Beads: Her Book, Being an Account of Her First Blue Moon Spent on Sun Island.
Publisher: Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane: George Robertson & Co., [circa 1908]. First Edition of their first major story book (Muir6342).
Language: Text in English.
Size: 11" x 8.5".
Pages: 102 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good original illustrated tan cloth binding with titles and decorations printed in blue and orange (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown, corners and spine ends gently bumped - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. 
Content: Very good condition with some occasional foxing or light toning, particularly to page edges. The paper is otherwise clean and crisp throughout.
Illustrations: Profusely illustrated with delightful black-and-white illustrations throughout by Ida S. Rentoul, including 13 full-page drawings (complete) and decorative elements integrated into the text.

Estimate: (USD 500– USD 600).

The book: A charming and early example of Australian children’s fantasy literature, The Lady of the Blue Beads follows the whimsical adventures of Margaret and her companions on Sun Island during the "First Blue Moon." The tale is infused with Edwardian imagination and whimsy, expressing a strong belief in fairies, fantasy worlds, and childhood wonder. The creative layout and enchanting black-and-white illustrations by Ida S. Rentoul make this volume an iconic example of early 20th-century Australian book design for children. A wonderful collectible in the Rentoul sisters’ canon. The First Edition of their first major story book (Muir6342).

The author: Annie Rattray Rentoul (1882–1978) was an Australian writer of children’s books and fairy tales, often collaborating with her sister Ida on text and image pairings. Her writing is notable for its lyrical style and distinctly Australian fairy-lore themes, which were innovative in the context of British-dominated children’s literature of the time.

The illustrator: Ida Sherbourne Rentoul (1889–1975), later known as Ida Rentoul Outhwaite, was a seminal figure in Australian illustration. Her detailed, magical depictions of fairies, sprites, and children have earned her a lasting place in the world of fantasy illustration. Her collaboration with Annie produced some of Australia’s most beloved early children’s books. In this work, her imaginative and delicate penwork captures the playful and surreal spirit of the story.