Cinderella, Edited by C.S. Evans, Illustrated and Signed by Arthur Rackham, Limited Edition de Luxe , 1919

Evans, C.S. (editor). Rackham, Arthur (illustrator). Cinderella. London & Philadelphia: William Heinemann and J.B. Lippincott Co., 1919. Numbered #53/325 copies of the Edition de Luxe, printed on Japanese vellum, and signed by Rackham. Quarto, in publisher's deluxe quarter vellum over Japanese vellum-covered boards, stamped in gilt. Presented with new archival cloth slipcase.

This is a desirable limited edition printing of Cinderella, edited by C. S. Evans and illustrated and signed by Arthur Rackham. Published in 1919 by London’s Constable & Co. and Philadelphia’s WIlliam Heinemann, this printing is numbered #53/325 copies of the “Edition de Luxe,” of which only 300 were made available to the public. The book is presented in the original publisher’s deluxe quarter vellum over Japanese vellum-covered boards, stamped in gilt, and finished with top edge gilt. 

Cinderella was originally penned by Charles Perrault in his Histoires ou Contes du Temps Passé. Perrault reportedly was told the story by anonymous folk storytellers, to which he added extra details, such as the Fairy Godmother, the cherished pumpkin carriage, anthropomorphic animal friends, and the glass slippers. Perrault (1628 – 1703) was among the first writers to bring magical children’s stories into the literary mainstream, proving to his original seventeenth century readers that such works were important and enjoyable, as well as thought-provoking. 

C.S. Evans adapted and expanded the beloved and cherished story of Cinderella in 1919 in order to give his brilliant illustrator, Arthur Rackham, maximum opportunity to exercise his gifts. The product of their collaboration is one of the most wonderful editions produced of this, or any other, fairy tale. In this 1919 printing, Rackham mastered his black and white silhouette style. "Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty differed from Rackham’s preceding books in relying almost wholly on silhouette for their effect. It is immediately clear from the collection of images that Rackham is a master of the medium, being able to evoke character and humor by profile and gesture alone and allowing the two-dimensional effect of his pen work to lead the reader through the book and keep the story going." (James Hamilton. Arthur Rackham: A Biography, p. 188)

Thoroughly illustrated with a mounted color frontispiece, double and single page illustrations, and numerous in-text silhouettes, this edition is a testament to Rackham’s illustrating prowess. Rackham’s “fanciful imagination gave his illustrations instant recognition, and his dedication to illustration kept him in the public eye for 30 years” (Hodnett, 233).

Charles Seddon Evans (1883 – 1944) was a well respected writer, editor,  and folklorist, who brought this magical story to life. He began his career as a schoolmaster before joining the publishing house of Edward Arnold as the Educational Editor in 1909. He moved to the firm of Heinemann in 1913, where he spent the rest of his working life, becoming Chairman and Managing Director in 1932. He also wrote a version of The Sleeping Beauty as a companion volume to Cinderella, also illustrated by Arthur Rackham.

Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) was one of the most celebrated painters of the British Golden Age of Illustration, which encompassed the years from 1850 until the start of the First World War. Rackham’s artistry is unparalleled. Throughout his career, he developed a unique style, combining haunting humor with dream-like romance. Presented alongside the text, his illustrations enhance Perrault’s enchanting narrative.

CONDITION:

A beautiful printing, in very good condition. Numbered #53/325 copies of the Edition de Luxe. 4to. 110 pp. Publisher's deluxe quarter vellum over Japanese vellum-covered boards, stamped in gilt; top edge gilt, other edges untrimmed. Wear to boards, with light bumping to corners and spine. Internally, the book is clean and in good condition. Signed by Arthur Rackham.  Additionally, original owner's signature “Dorothy March.” 

Illustrated with mounted color frontispiece; 3 double-page silhouettes with color; one single-page silhouette with color (not found in trade edition); 13 full-page silhouettes in black and white; 36 black and white in-text silhouettes. Color and black and white illustrations are in very good condition with only very light toning. 

This book is presented with a new archival cloth slipcase, inlaid with a copy of the frontispiece illustration. 

Book Dimensions: 11 5/8" H x 9 1/4" W x 7/8" D.

Slipcase Dimensions: 12" H x 9 1/2" W x 1 1/8" D.