1914 First Edition - Andersen's Fairy Tales illustrated by Dugald Stewart Walker

Author: Hans Christian Andersen. Illustrated by Dugald Stewart Walker.
Title: Fairy Tales from Hans Christian Andersen.
Publisher: London, George G. Harrap & Co., no date (1914). First UK Edition illustrated by Dugald Stewart Walker.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 9 x 7.5 inches.
Pages: 267 pages.
Binding: Attractive and very good, near fine binding, beautifully bound in original publisher’s green cloth with gilt lettering to spine and upper cover, featuring a large mounted color illustration to front board (hinges fine, overall slightly scuffed - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean, rare light foxing or staining mainly on endpapers - as shown, gift note of a previous 1918 owner on the second blank page - as shown).
Illustrations: Wonderfully illustrated with 12 color plates and numerous black-and-white line drawings throughout by Dugald Stewart Walker. All illustrations are present and in excellent condition, showcasing Walker’s whimsical, Art Nouveau-inspired style.

The book: A visually enchanting early 20th-century edition of Andersen’s timeless fairy tales, beautifully brought to life, for the first time, by the dreamlike and fantastical illustrations of Dugald Stewart Walker. The collection includes such beloved tales as The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, The Red Shoes, Thumbelisa, and The Nightingale, along with several lesser-known stories. Published by Harrap in a format designed to delight both children and adult collectors, this edition reflects the peak of the Golden Age of Illustration.

The author: Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875) is one of the most beloved figures in world literature, credited with transforming the fairy tale into a literary art form. His stories—rich in imagination, heart, and moral insight—have resonated with generations of readers and continue to influence writers and artists today. Andersen’s legacy includes more than 150 fairy tales, many of which remain essential reading for children and scholars alike.

The illustrator: Dugald Stewart Walker (1883–1937) was an American illustrator associated with the Golden Age of Illustration. Known for his intricate, ethereal drawings and elaborate decorative style, Walker brought a distinctly magical vision to his work. His contributions to children’s classics like Fairy Tales from Hans Christian Andersen remain highly sought after for their delicate beauty and distinctive Art Nouveau flair.