Charles Robinson (1870–1937) was a prolific British book illustrator.
Born in Islington in October 1870, London, he was the son of an illustrator and his brothers Thomas Heath Robinson and William Heath Robinson also became illustrators.
The first full book he illustrated was Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses (1895) which includes over 100 pen and ink drawings. It was extremely popular, going through many reprints, and generated numerous commissions.
He illustrated many fairy tales and children’s books throughout his career, including Eugene Field’s Lullaby Land (1897), W. E. Cule’s Child Voices (1899), Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué’s Sintram and His Companions (1900), Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1907), Grimm’s Fairy Tales (1910), Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden (1911), and books written by Walter Copeland Jerrold and himself.
This big book of fairy tales holds true to the rule, that sometimes – the oldest fairy tales are the best! Here is a collection of some of the finest stories from around the globe, including classics from Arabian Nights such as ‘Aladdin’ and ‘Sinbad the Sailor’, Hans Christian Anderson’s best work with ‘The Ugly Ducking’, ‘Little Tin Soldier’ and ‘The Little Match girl’ as well as the archetypal tales from Charles Perrault including ‘Blue Beard’, ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Puss in Boots.’ Other tales with less well known literary lineages, such as ‘Dick Whittington’ and ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ are also encompassed for the reader’s enjoyment.
These stories are accompanied by a set of dazzling coloured illustrations from a true master of the ‘Golden Age of Illustration’ – Charles Robinson (1870-1937). An active painter in his own right, and brother of the famous Thomas and William Heath Robinson, his illustrations still delight both young and old over a century later. The fairy tales in their original translations are presented here, alongside Robinson’s beautiful images.
Presented here is another book illustrated by one of my favorite illustrator: Charles Robinson. This time, it’s one of his most grandiose work. Both in term of quantity as quality of the illustrations. The Big Book of Fairy Tales, first published in 1911 by A.C. Black, London, with 12 color plates, 15 dual-tone plates and hundreds of in-line illustrations. Absolutely gorgeous.
Other books illustrated by Charles Robinson available in our gallery: The Secret Garden, Bee, Princess of the Dwarfs, Margaret’s Book, The Happy Prince, Our Sentimental Garden, Songs and Sonnets.
Art Gallery: Charles Robinson – Big Book of Fairy Tales 1911
