Arthur Rackham’s Book of Pictures (1913) – Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Arthur Rackham’s Book of Pictures (1913) is a stunning showcase of the illustrator’s work at the height of his artistic powers. Published by William Heinemann, this volume gathers a selection of Rackham’s most evocative illustrations—some previously published, others newly created—accompanied by descriptive passages and poetic commentary selected and introduced by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch. Rather than a single narrative or themed storybook, this is a curated gallery-in-print, celebrating Rackham’s distinctive contributions to the Golden Age of Illustration.

The book includes fairy-tale scenes, mythological subjects, and imaginative visions drawn from sources such as Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, Rip Van Winkle, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Rackham’s visual style—marked by fine ink lines, ethereal watercolor washes, and an earthy, mystical atmosphere—renders fantastical scenes with haunting beauty and emotional depth. The collection reveals his versatility in tone and subject, from the whimsical to the eerie.

The format and production quality reflect the era’s appreciation for illustrated books as art objects. With tipped-in color plates, decorated endpapers, and elegant typography, the volume exemplifies early 20th-century publishing craftsmanship.

About the Illustrator
Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) is widely regarded as one of the most important illustrators of the early 20th century. His work is defined by intricate penwork, muted color palettes, and a deep sense of the magical and mysterious. Rackham brought a unique blend of realism and fantasy to classic stories, influencing generations of artists and readers alike. He illustrated dozens of renowned volumes, including Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and The Wind in the Willows, and is celebrated for creating some of the most iconic images in children’s literature and fantasy illustration.

Recommended for Collectors

• The Ingoldsby Legends (1907), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A mix of folklore and ghost stories with rich and spooky visuals.
• Rackham’s Color Illustrations for Wagner’s “Ring” (1910–1912) – For his mythic, dramatic side
• Undine (1909), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A romantic fantasy tale with ethereal and melancholic illustrations.
• The Rhinegold & the Valkyrie (1910), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – Epic myth and Wagnerian drama with atmospheric, dramatic plates.

Other Rackham’s illustrated works available in our gallery: Rip Van Winkle, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, The Night Before Christmas, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, Midsummer’s Night Dream, Undine, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Peter Pan in Kensington Garden, The Ingoldsby Legends, Grimm’s Fairy Tales.

• List of books illustrated by Arthur Rackham
• Our Arthur Rackham Art Gallery.

Art Gallery: Arthur Rackham – Book of Pictures 1913