1913 1stED - Marvellous History of The Shadowless Man illustrated by F. Robson
Author: Adelbert von Chamisso. Wilhelm Hauff. Illustrated by Forster Robson.
Title: The Marvellous History of the Shadowless Man by A. Von Chamisso and The Cold Heart by Wilhelm Hauff. With an Introduction by A. S. Rappoport.
Publisher: London, Holden & Hardingham, no date (1913). First Edition illustrated by Forster Robson.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 10 x 8 inches.
Pages: xiv, 93, 74 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good original green full-cloth binding decorated and lettered in gilt on the front cover and spine (hinges fine, light rubbing and minor wear to extremities, a few small marks to cloth as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. Upper edge gilt.
Content: Very good content (binding sound and text clean, some foxing throughout as shown, one tissue guard lacking, remaining tissue guards occasionally creased or with small chips, bookseller label to front pastedown, overall very well preserved).
Illustrations: Complete with all 20 beautiful color plates and 10 duotone plates by Forster Robson. One tissue guard missing, remaining tissue guards present, illustrations themselves in very good, near fine condition.
Estimate: (USD 200–250).
The book: This beautiful Edwardian gift-book edition brings together two of the most celebrated works of German Romantic fantasy literature. Adelbert von Chamisso's The Marvellous History of the Shadowless Man recounts the strange fate of Peter Schlemihl, who exchanges his shadow for a purse of inexhaustible gold, only to discover that wealth cannot compensate for the loss of identity, dignity, and human companionship. Wilhelm Hauff's The Cold Heart, set amid the dark forests and folklore of Württemberg, tells the haunting story of a charcoal burner who sacrifices his heart in pursuit of riches and social status. Both narratives explore timeless themes of greed, temptation, alienation, and redemption while blending fairy tale, Gothic imagination, and moral allegory. This edition is especially sought after for the remarkable illustrations of Forster Robson, whose evocative color plates and striking monochrome drawings perfectly capture the dreamlike atmosphere and supernatural power of these enduring classics.
The author: Adelbert von Chamisso (1781–1838) was a German poet, naturalist, and explorer whose masterpiece Peter Schlemihl became one of the defining fantasy tales of the nineteenth century and influenced generations of writers concerned with identity and the supernatural. His fellow author Wilhelm Hauff (1802–1827) enjoyed a brief but brilliant literary career and remains one of Germany's most beloved storytellers. His fairy tales and legends, including The Cold Heart, are admired for their vivid characterization, folkloric richness, and subtle moral insight. Together, these two authors helped shape the tradition of German Romantic fantasy that would later inspire writers from George MacDonald to J.R.R. Tolkien.
The illustrator: Forster Robson was among the most accomplished illustrators of the early twentieth century, noted for his ability to combine decorative design with atmospheric storytelling. For this edition he produced a magnificent suite of color plates and monochrome illustrations that enhance the mysterious and otherworldly qualities of both tales. His imagery ranges from haunting supernatural encounters to richly detailed landscapes and character studies, making this one of the most desirable illustrated editions of these classic German fantasy stories.