The Goldenrod Fairy Book (1903) – Edited by Esther Singleton, Illustrated by Charles Buckles Falls

This charming 1903 anthology, The Goldenrod Fairy Book, curated by Esther Singleton, gathers a delightful selection of classic fairy tales from around the world, accompanied by the bold and distinctive illustrations of Charles Buckles Falls. Published by Dodd, Mead & Company in New York, the book stands out for its Art Nouveau-inspired design and Falls’ striking graphic artwork. His illustrations—featuring strong outlines, flat colors, and stylized figures—reflect the emerging modernist aesthetic of the early 20th century, offering a fresh, almost poster-like take on tales like Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, and The Snow Queen. The vibrant compositions and decorative borders make this volume a visual treat, blending storytelling with avant-garde design.

About the Illustrator
Charles Buckles Falls (1874–1960) was an American artist, designer, and illustrator known for his contributions to the graphic arts and advertising. A pioneer of clean, modernist illustration, Falls’ work in The Goldenrod Fairy Book showcases his ability to merge folkloric themes with bold, geometric simplicity. He later gained fame for his wartime posters (including the iconic “Books Wanted” campaign for the American Library Association) and typographic innovations, but this early work reveals his flair for transforming traditional tales into dynamic visual narratives.

Recommended for Collectors

• Green Willow and Other Japanese Fairy Tales (1910) illustrated by Warwick Goble – For another early 20th-century fairy tale collection with lush Art Nouveau styling

Art Gallery: Charles Buckles Falls – The Goldenrod Fairy Book 1903