The Pied Piper of Hamelin (1934) – by Robert Browning, illustrated by Arthur Rackham

This enchanting 1934 edition of Robert Browning’s classic poem The Pied Piper of Hamelin is brought to life through the spellbinding illustrations of Arthur Rackham. Published by George G. Harrap & Co. in London, the book features Rackham’s signature blend of whimsy and eerie charm, perfectly suited to the tale’s mix of magic and menace. His intricate pen-and-ink drawings and muted watercolor washes depict the piper’s otherworldly allure, the bustling medieval town of Hamelin, and the haunting finale where children follow the piper into the mountain. Rackham’s gnarled trees, expressive faces, and ethereal landscapes amplify the poem’s folkloric roots, making this one of his most atmospheric late-career works.

About the Illustrator
Arthur Rackham (1867–1939), the preeminent illustrator of Britain’s Golden Age of Illustration, was renowned for his interpretations of fairy tales and fantasy. His work on The Pied Piper showcases his mature style—more restrained in color than his early pieces but richer in texture and emotional depth. Created just five years before his death, these illustrations reflect a lifetime of honing his ability to merge the grotesque with the sublime.

Recommended for Collectors

• A Midsummer-Night’s Dream (1908) illustrated by Rackham – For his iconic Shakespearean fantasy work
• Goblin Market (1933) by Christina Rossetti, illustrated by Rackham – A similarly eerie poetic tale
• The Ratcatcher (1982) illustrated by Drahos Zak – A modern, darker take on the Pied Piper legend

Other Arthur Rackham’s illustrated books available in our gallery: Rip Van Winkle, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Book of Pictures, The Night Before Christmas, 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 – The Pied Piper of Hamelin 1934