1911 Rare First Edition - The Sensitive Plant Illustrated by Charles Robinson

Author: Percy Bysshe Shelley. Illustrated by Charles Robinson.
Title: The Sensitive Plant.
Publisher: London, William Heinemann; Philadelphia, J.B. Lippincott Co., no date [circa 1911]. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 10.5 x 8 inches.
Pages: 127 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good original publisher’s green cloth binding with an elaborate gilt Art Nouveau design on the front cover and spine, featuring an intricate floral motif and architectural elements framing the title. The spine also features delicate gilt decoration and titles (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. Upper edge gilt.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, ex-libris of Ruth Harter on the first endpaper - as shown).
Illustrations: Exquisitely illustrated by Charles Robinson with 18 full-page tipped-in color plates, decorative initials, ornamental borders, and delicate black-and-white illustrations throughout. The artwork is highly detailed and complements the dreamlike and ethereal nature of Shelley’s poetry. (Complete).

Estimate: (USD 400-700).

The book: This luxurious edition of The Sensitive Plant, First illustrated Edition by Charles Robinson, is one of the finest examples of early 20th-century illustrated books. Shelley's poetic masterpiece, a reflection on beauty, transience, and nature, is brought to life through Robinson’s intricate and richly detailed illustrations. His delicate color plates and elaborate black-and-white drawings create a visual experience that enhances the lyrical quality of Shelley’s verse.

The author: Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) was one of the major English Romantic poets, known for his radical ideas and lyrical poetry. His works, including Ode to the West Wind, Prometheus Unbound, and The Sensitive Plant, are celebrated for their philosophical depth and powerful imagery. Shelley’s poetry remains highly influential, capturing the beauty and tragedy of the human experience.

The illustrator: Charles Robinson (1870-1937) was a British illustrator known for his enchanting and highly decorative style, influenced by the Art Nouveau movement. His work, often featuring intricate borders, fairy-tale elements, and ethereal figures, placed him among the greatest illustrators of the Golden Age of Illustration. His interpretation of The Sensitive Plant remains one of his most celebrated artistic achievements.