Robinson Crusoe [1920 First Cosmopolitan Edition - 13 N.C. Wyeth Plates - Burgundy Cloth]

Defoe, Daniel ; Wyeth, N.C. (Illustrator)

Published by Cosmopolitan Book Corporation, New York, 1920

A beautifully preserved example of the 1920 Cosmopolitan edition of Defoe's classic adventure. This volume is a significant entry in the history of American illustration, featuring 13 vibrant plates by N.C. Wyeth, who also provided the preface. While most collectors recognize the Scribner's edition of this year, the Cosmopolitan variant in burgundy cloth offers a distinctive alternative for the Wyeth completist. KEY FEATURES +++ Binding: Burgundy red cloth with a variant full-color Wyeth pictorial paste-down on the front cover. +++ Visuals: Complete with 13 full-color plates by N.C. Wyeth, including the iconic title page and the frontispiece. +++ Content: Includes a unique preface by N.C. Wyeth, discussing his artistic approach to Defoe's "island of solitude." +++ Imprint: Cosmopolitan Book Corporation, MCMXX. +++ Specs: Large 8vo; 9.125 inches tall / [10], 1-368, [1] pages. CONDITION: Grade: Very Good -- The binding is notably tight and square with moderate shelf wear and light rubbing to the extremities. The text block is remarkably clean with light, even age-toning. Provenance Note: Carries a "West Riding Library" stamp on the title page and front flyleaf; however, the volume is otherwise free of typical library markings (no pockets, spine labels, or glue residue). HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE -- The year 1920 was a watershed moment for the 'Golden Age of Illustration,' and N.C. Wyeth s interpretation of Robinson Crusoe remains the definitive visual standard for the text. This Cosmopolitan Edition represents the fierce competition between publishers to secure Wyeth's talents for the lucrative gift-book market. The illustrations characterized by their dramatic use of light and vast, lonely horizons transformed Crusoe from a simple castaway into a romantic symbol of human resilience. SUBJECTS: Daniel Defoe, N.C. Wyeth, Golden Age Illustration, Adventure Fiction, Castaway Narratives, 1920s Book Design, Cosmopolitan Book Corporation. Seller Inventory # 21564

Bibliographic Details

Title: Robinson Crusoe [1920 First Cosmopolitan ...
Publisher: Cosmopolitan Book Corporation, New York
Publication Date: 1920
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket