Washington Irving

Washington Irving's Rip Van Winkle New edition

Jacket Description/Back: These magnificent illustrations, created for a 1905 edition of Washington Irving's enchanting fairy tale, established Arthur Rackham as a leading illustrator of his time. The illustrations featured traits that soon were to characterize much of Rackham's art: flowing pen lines and muted watercolors, forests of looming trees, lovely fairy maidens, and quizzical troll-like figures. Today these images are recognized as among Rackham's very best works. This edition features all 51 full-page color plates, as well as the full text of Irving's classic tale. And enduring foundation of Catskill lore, the captivating narrative recounts the fanciful adventures of an amiable ne'er-do-well colonial farmer who wanders into the highlands, falls asleep after drinking with a band of strange little mountain men, and wakes twenty years later in a world that has passed him by. Effusing a gentle humor, Rackham's art is a constant reminder of a more innocent era. This edition--sure to enchant art lovers--will also delight Rackham devotees and fantasy fans alike. Biographical Note: A leading figure in the early 20th century's Golden Age of Illustration, English artist Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) brought countless stories and fairy tales to life through his vivid imagination and eye for telling details. Rackham interpreted scenes from fairy tales, Wagnerian opera, and Shakespearean comedy. His memorable images, which combine whimsy, romance, and sophistication, continue to enchant children and adults alike. Publisher Marketing: These magnificent illustrations, created for a 1905 edition of Washington Irving's enchanting fairy tale, established Arthur Rackham as a leading illustrator of his time. The illustrations featured traits that soon were to characterize much of Rackham's art: flowing pen lines and muted watercolors, forests of looming trees, lovely fairy maidens, and quizzical troll-like figures. Today these images are recognized as among Rackham's very best works. This edition features all 51 full-page color plates, as well as the full text of Irving's classic tale. And enduring foundation of Catskill lore, the captivating narrative recounts the fanciful adventures of an amiable ne'er-do-well colonial farmer who wanders into the highlands, falls asleep after drinking with a band of strange little mountain men, and wakes twenty years later in a world that has passed him by. Effusing a gentle humor, Rackham's art is a constant reminder of a more innocent era. This edition -- sure to enchant art lovers -- will also delight Rackham devotees and fantasy fans alike. Review Citations:

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2006 pg. 698 (EAN 9780486442426, Paperback)

Wilson Children's Catalog 01/01/2010 pg. 1049 (EAN 9780486442426, Paperback)

Contributor Bio:  Irving, Washington One of the first American writers to gain acclaim in Europe, Washington Irving was also an essayist, a biographer, an historian, and a diplomat. He is best known for having written the short stories The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle, both of which appeared in the collection The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. Though he is best known for his short stories, Irving s written works include social and political commentary for the literary magazine Salmagundi, which he helped found, as well as biographies of a number of historical figures including George Washington and the prophet Muhammad. Irving died in 1859 at the age of 76.