The King of the Golden River.

RACKHAM, Arthur (illus.); RUSKIN, John.

Published by London: George G. Harrap & Co Ltd, 1932

About this Item

Signed limited edition, number 151 of 570 copies signed by the artist. Ruskin's story was conceived in 1841 and written for his future wife, Effie Gray: "Effie first met her future husband when she was twelve, on a visit to Herne Hill. The following year, 1841, on a second visit, she challenged him to write a fairy story" (ODNB). First published in 1850, with illustrations by Richard Doyle, Ruskin's only published work of fiction proved one of his most popular books. "The tale, in the manner of the brothers Grimm, deployed imagery that was to resurface in Ruskin's writings on political economy" (ibid.). Rackham's edition first appeared in 1932. A near-contemporary review stated "The King of the Golden River is a classic tale, marvellously illustrated in colour and line by that great artist, Arthur Rackham". Latimore & Haskell, pp. 67-68; Riall, p. 176. Saturday Review of Politics, Literature, Science and Art, 30 November 1935, pp. 534-5. Octavo. Colour frontispiece and 3 colour plates, black and white illustrations in the text, all by Rackham. Original limp vellum, front cover lettered in gilt, top edge gilt, others untrimmed, pictorial endpapers. Publisher's original slipcase with hand-numbered spine label. Slight cockling to vellum, slipcase a little toned and worn with some minor splitting: a near-fine copy in a very good slipcase.

Seller Inventory # 170268

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The King of the Golden River.
• Publisher: London: George G. Harrap & Co Ltd, 1932
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)