Rainbow Gold: Poems Old and New Selected for Boys and Girls (1922) – by Sara Teasdale, illustrated by Dugald Walker
This enchanting 1922 anthology, Rainbow Gold, curated by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Sara Teasdale, gathers timeless poems for young readers, brought to life through the vibrant illustrations of Dugald Walker. Published by The Macmillan Company in New York, the book pairs classic works by Wordsworth, Blake, and Stevenson with contemporary verses, all accompanied by Walker’s Art Deco-influenced artwork. His illustrations—bursting with bold colors, geometric patterns, and dynamic compositions—depict children adventuring through sun-dappled forests, sailing starlit seas, and dancing in fields of flowers. The interplay of Teasdale’s lyrical selections and Walker’s modernist visuals creates a jubilant celebration of childhood wonder and nature’s magic.
About the Illustrator
Dugald Walker (1883–1937) was an American illustrator and cartoonist whose work bridged the Golden Age of Illustration and the emerging Art Deco movement. Known for his magazine covers and children’s book art, Walker’s style combined sleek lines with a playful, almost theatrical sensibility. His illustrations for Rainbow Gold showcase his gift for translating poetry into vivid, kinetic scenes that feel both nostalgic and strikingly modern.
Recommended for Collectors
- A Child’s Garden of Verses (1905) illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith – A softer, more traditional counterpart
- The Moon-Caller (1929) by Katharine Adams, illustrated by Walker – For more of his Art Deco flair
- When We Were Very Young (1924) by A.A. Milne, illustrated by E.H. Shepard – A similarly spirited poetry collection
Art Gallery: Dugald Walker – Rainbow Gold 1922
