Rip Van Winkle (1905) – by Washington Irving, illustrated by Arthur Rackham

This exquisite 1905 edition of Washington Irving’s classic American folktale Rip Van Winkle is brought to life through the enchanting illustrations of Arthur Rackham. Published by William Heinemann, London in 1905. The book features Rackham’s signature ethereal style, with delicate pen-and-ink drawings and muted color plates that perfectly capture the story’s magical atmosphere. Rackham’s interpretations of Rip’s encounter with the mysterious Hudson Valley ghosts and his awakening in a changed world have become iconic, influencing generations of artists.

This Rackham-illustrated edition remains a treasure of American literature and illustration, offering readers a visually stunning journey into Irving’s timeless tale of time, change, and the supernatural.

About the Illustrator
Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) was one of the most celebrated illustrators of the Golden Age of Illustration. Known for his intricate, whimsical style, Rackham brought to life numerous classics including Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His work on Rip Van Winkle showcases his mastery of blending realism with fantasy, creating images that are both grounded and dreamlike. Rackham’s illustrations helped define early 20th-century book art and remain highly collectible today.

Recommended for Collectors

• The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1928) by Washington Irving, also illustrated by Rackham
• Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm (1909) featuring Rackham’s iconic interpretations
• Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (1906) showcasing Rackham’s magical style

Other Arthur Rackham’s illustrated works available in our gallery: Rip Van Winkle, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Book of Pictures, 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.

Art Gallery: Arthur Rackham – Rip Van Winkle 1905