The Argonauts Of the Amazon with Illustrations by Arthur Rackham

1901 at title page; no other dates. Rare example of the earliest of Arthur Rackham's illustration. Orange full-cloth pictorial boards, gilt cover and spine titles, moderate shelf wear, rub. Cover depicts Argonaut in hand-to-hand battle atop cliff's edge appearing ready to toss adversary: "Putting forth all his giant strength, he lifted the Guambo off his feet and flung him into the yawning abyss." Spine scene of raft on the shimmering Amazon. Matte black endpapers. Pages very good. String-bind good; hinges intact. Especially unique volume with six dramatic plates illustrated by a young Arthur Rackham suggesting his later development into a preeminent artist of the illustrated gift book era. Charles Richard "C. R." Kenyon penned this rare title of giants taming the tribes of the Amazon. Very neat stylish antiquarian presentation inscription at front blank endpaper: "The St. John Ambulance Brigade, Pendeen Cadet Branch, Awarded for proficiency in First Aid work at a Competition held at Pendeen on October 8th, 1927. F. C. Lauers, President". Several pages of W & R. Chambers adverts of "Books for Boys". Then, thirty-two pages of "Books Suitable for Prizes and Presentation." These leaves include five full-page plates and partial-page imagery for additional titles available from W. & R. Chambers. 305 pages. Insured post. Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.…