English Fairy Tales (1918) retold by Flora Annie Steel. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

English Fairy Tales is a delightful collection of classic British folk and fairy tales retold by Flora Annie Steel, with enchanting illustrations by the legendary Arthur Rackham. Published by Macmillan & Co., this volume brings together some of the most beloved tales of English folklore—such as “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Tom Tit Tot,” and “The Three Bears”—in lively, engaging prose that preserves their traditional charm while making them accessible to early 20th-century readers.

Steel, a prolific British author known for her interest in storytelling traditions, retells these tales with both wit and respect for their oral roots. Her versions are ideal for reading aloud, filled with rhythmic language, old-world humor, and the timeless morality common to fairy tales.

The book is made unforgettable by the work of Arthur Rackham, who contributes sixteen color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations. Rackham’s art in this volume reflects his ability to conjure both the whimsy and the eerie aspects of fairy tales. His depictions of giants, witches, clever peasants, and talking animals are filled with detail, character, and emotion—each image a story unto itself.

About the illustrator Arthur Rackham:

Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) is widely regarded as one of the foremost illustrators of the Golden Age of Book Illustration. His distinctive style—featuring intricate pen lines, soft watercolor washes, and atmospheric settings—defined early 20th-century visual storytelling. He brought new life to classics such as Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, capturing the imagination of children and adults alike with artwork that balanced fantasy, elegance, and a touch of the macabre.

Recommended for collectors:

• Grimm’s Fairy Tales (1909), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A perfect companion with similarly iconic imagery and darkly magical themes.
• The Red Fairy Book (1890) by Andrew Lang, illustrated by H. J. Ford – A foundational anthology in fairy tale collections, filled with global lore.
• Old French Fairy Tales (1920), illustrated by Virginia Frances Sterrett – Delicate, dreamlike illustrations paired with timeless French fables.

Art Gallery: Arthur Rackham – English Fairy Tales