Bee, the Princess of the Dwarfs by Anatole France. Illustrated by Charles Robinson

Bee, the Princess of the Dwarfs is a delicate and dreamlike fairy tale by French author Anatole France, translated into English by Mrs. John Lane. The story follows Bee (Bié), a kind-hearted young princess who is spirited away to a subterranean kingdom ruled by dwarfs. As Bee navigates this strange and whimsical world, she learns valuable lessons about love, humility, and human nature. France, known for his wit and philosophical insight, weaves moral depth and gentle satire into this charming tale, making it appealing to both children and adults with a taste for allegorical storytelling.

The 1912 edition published by John Lane, The Bodley Head, features enchanting illustrations by Charles Robinson. His artwork, consisting of fine line drawings and decorative flourishes, beautifully complements the story’s magical and introspective tone. Robinson’s images exude a lyrical quality, capturing the innocence of Bee and the mysterious beauty of the dwarfs’ realm with grace and sensitivity. The visual elegance of his work makes this edition highly desirable among collectors of Golden Age illustrated books.

About the Illustrator:
Charles Robinson (1870–1937) was a leading British illustrator during the Golden Age of Illustration, known for his work on children’s books, fairy tales, and poetry. He was the brother of W. Heath Robinson and Thomas Heath Robinson, both illustrators as well. Charles developed a unique style influenced by Art Nouveau, featuring intricate pen work, expressive characters, and decorative motifs. His illustrations often bring a sense of warmth and lyrical charm, well-suited to the dreamlike narratives he illustrated. In Bee, the Princess of the Dwarfs, Robinson’s drawings add a layer of poetic emotion that enriches the text and enhances its appeal to both young readers and adult bibliophiles.

For collectors:

• A Child’s Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Charles Robinson (1895) – Robinson’s breakthrough work that defined his career
• Undine (1909), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A magical water-spirit tale with moody, intricate images from one of the era’s greatest illustrators.
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, illustrated by Charles Robinson (1911) – Showcases his mature style in a beloved children’s classic
• The Happy Prince and Other Tales by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Charles Robinson (1913) – A beautiful pairing of Wilde’s fairy tales with Robinson’s delicate artwork

Other books illustrated by Charles Robinson available in our gallery: The Secret Garden, The Big Book of Fairy Tales, Margaret’s Book, The Happy Prince, Our Sentimental Garden, Songs and Sonnets.

Art Gallery: Charles Robinson – Bee, Princess of the Dwarfs 1912