Our Sentimental Garden (1914) By Agnes & Egerton Castle Illustrated by Charles Robinson
Our Sentimental Garden (1914) is a charming and whimsical blend of memoir, garden writing, and gentle humor, co-authored by Agnes and Egerton Castle, a married literary duo known for their romantic fiction and historical novels. This beautifully produced volume celebrates the joys of gardening and the quiet pleasures of country life, presented in a series of nostalgic reflections, seasonal musings, and observations about nature, companionship, and the passing of time. The Castles’ tone is light, poetic, and affectionate, making this book as much about the human experience as it is about horticulture.
The enchantment of the text is perfectly complemented by the delicate and decorative illustrations of Charles Robinson. With his fluid lines, graceful forms, and Art Nouveau influence, Robinson’s work lends the book an elegant, fairytale-like atmosphere. His black-and-white drawings, borders, and vignettes echo the rhythm and romanticism of the prose, bringing to life the imagined characters, flowers, and fancies that bloom within the pages.
About the Illustrator:
Charles Robinson (1870–1937) was a prolific British illustrator and the brother of fellow artists Thomas Heath Robinson and William Heath Robinson. He began his career as a book illustrator in the late 19th century and quickly rose to prominence for his expressive pen-and-ink work, often featured in fairy tales, poetry collections, and children’s books. His style is characterized by intricate linework, stylized figures, and a sense of narrative lyricism. Robinson’s illustrations convey emotion and movement with subtle grace, and he was particularly adept at capturing mood and imagination in his visual storytelling. His contributions to books like Our Sentimental Garden reflect his talent for blending artistic beauty with the literary charm of the texts he accompanied.
Recommended for Collectors:
- The Spring of Joy (1917) by Mary Webb – A lyrical garden and nature book with introspective prose and an elegant aesthetic.
- A Child’s Garden of Verses (1905) – Charles Robinson’s delicate illustrations beautifully echo Stevenson’s timeless poems.
- The Secret Garden (1911) – Charles Robinson’s edition brings visual warmth to Burnett’s classic tale of renewal.
Other books illustrated by Charles Robinson available in our gallery: The Secret Garden, The Big Book of Fairy Tales, Bee, Princess of the Dwarfs, Margaret’s Book, The Happy Prince, Our Sentimental Garden, Songs and Sonnets.
Art Gallery: Charles Robinson – Our Sentimental Garden 1914
