The King of the Golden River (1932), published by George G. Harrap & Co., illustrated by Arthur Rackham, represents one of the crowning achievements of early 20th-century book illustration. This exquisite edition of John Ruskin’s classic moral fairy tale showcases Rackham’s mature artistic style through four luminous color plates and numerous intricate pen-and-ink drawings. The illustrations capture the story’s magical essence – from the swirling majesty of the South-West Wind Esquire to the mischievous charm of the river spirit – with Rackham’s characteristic blend of ethereal beauty and subtle grotesquerie. The volume’s superb production quality, featuring gilt-decorated cloth binding and tissue-guarded plates, makes it a prized possession for collectors of illustrated books.

Fans of this Rackham masterpiece may also appreciate his other celebrated works from the same golden age of illustration: Rip Van Winkle (1905), with its dreamlike American landscapes and wonderfully eccentric characters; A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1908), where Rackham’s fairies dance through Shakespeare’s enchanted forest with unparalleled grace; and The Arthur Rackham Fairy Book (1933), a magnificent compilation featuring some of his finest later work. Each shares the same meticulous draftsmanship, imaginative characterizations, and atmospheric charm that make The King of the Golden River such an enduring treasure. Collectors particularly value these volumes for their combination of literary significance and artistic brilliance, with Rackham’s illustrations elevating each story into a visual feast that transcends generations.

About the illustrator Arthur Rackham:

Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) was a pioneering English illustrator whose distinctive style merged fantasy with delicate line work and muted watercolor. His illustrations are known for their expressive characterizations and slightly eerie, enchanted landscapes. Rackham’s work graced editions of Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Wind in the Willows, and Grimm’s Fairy Tales, solidifying his legacy as a master of illustrated storytelling.

Recommended for collectors:

• Undine (1909), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A water spirit’s tragic romance, filled with Rackham’s mystical undersea imagery.
• The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1934), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A darkly whimsical take on the folk tale, showcasing Rackham’s flair for drama.
• The Water-Babies (1909), illustrated by Warwick Goble – Another Victorian moral tale with stunning visual interpretations of the fantastical.

Arthur Rackham – King of the Golden River