The Songs and Sonnets of William Shakespeare (1915) – Illustrated by Charles Robinson

This elegant 1915 edition of The Songs and Sonnets of William Shakespeare is adorned with the delicate and evocative illustrations of Charles Robinson, offering a visual companion to Shakespeare’s lyrical poetry. Published by J.M. Dent & Sons in London, the book features Robinson’s signature watercolor and pen-and-ink artwork, which captures the romanticism, wit, and emotional depth of Shakespeare’s verses. His illustrations—softly colored and rich in detail—depict scenes of love, nature, and Elizabethan life, framed by ornate borders and decorative motifs that echo the period’s artistry. From the playful charm of It Was a Lover and His Lass to the melancholy beauty of Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?, Robinson’s work enhances the timeless appeal of these poems.

A treasure for Shakespeare enthusiasts and bibliophiles alike, this Robinson-illustrated edition is a testament to the enduring marriage of poetry and visual art in the early 20th century.

About the Illustrator
Charles Robinson (1870–1937) was a leading British illustrator of the Golden Age, celebrated for his lyrical and decorative style. The brother of illustrators Thomas and William Heath Robinson, he brought a refined sensitivity to literature, with notable works including A Child’s Garden of Verses (1895) and The Secret Garden (1911). His illustrations for The Songs and Sonnets of Shakespeare showcase his gift for blending poetic imagery with intricate design, making him an ideal interpreter of the Bard’s work.

Recommended for Collectors

• Shakespeare’s Sonnets (1905) illustrated by Gilbert James – For another Golden Age take on Shakespeare’s poetry
• A Midsummer-Night’s Dream (1908) illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A dreamlike vision of Shakespeare’s play
• The Poems of Spenser (1906) illustrated by Jessie M. King – A complementary pairing of poetry and art

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.

Art Gallery: Charles Robinson – Songs and Sonnets of William Shakespeare 1915