Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen. Illustrated by Harry Clarke.  London: George Harrap & Co., [1916]. First Edition. Publisher’s pictorial grey cloth boards with vignette illustration of ‘The Snow Queen’ ornate title & butterfly motif to upper cover & spine. Scattered spotting to contents but overall a nice bright copy.

Illustrated with sixteen coloured plates and twenty-four full page black & white illustrations (plus ten decorative tailpieces).

There is a brightness and energy to these pictures that may have derived from the fact that this was Clarke’s first book and he was happy to be paid for his artistry.

Harry Clarke has offered a genuine view of the Andersen’s tales but seen through his special and highly unusual view of the world. A striking work.

[Steenson A.1a].