The Four Gardens By Marguerite Bryant (writing as Handasyde) Illustrated by Charles Robinson
The Four Gardens is a reflective and quietly moving novel by Marguerite Bryant, published under the pseudonym Handasyde. First issued in 1912 by Hodder & Stoughton, the story traces the emotional and spiritual development of a woman through four symbolic “gardens” that represent different phases of her life. The gardens, both literal and metaphorical, stand as stages of personal growth, relationships, and inner awakening, offering a contemplative and gently philosophical narrative on love, loss, and renewal.
The novel’s poetic structure and introspective tone are beautifully complemented by the elegant illustrations of Charles Robinson. Known for his expressive and highly detailed work, Robinson enhances the story with a series of graceful black-and-white drawings, headpieces, and decorative borders that echo the symbolism and emotional undercurrents of the text. His art contributes to the mood of wistful beauty, drawing the reader deeper into the protagonist’s inner journey.
About the Illustrator:
Charles Robinson (1870–1937) was a prominent figure of the Golden Age of Illustration. Brother to W. Heath Robinson, Charles carved out his own legacy through an extensive portfolio of work on poetry, fairy tales, and sentimental fiction. Trained in the traditions of fine line illustration, he was influenced by Art Nouveau, Pre-Raphaelite romanticism, and the decorative arts. His style is marked by flowing forms, delicate details, and a lyrical sensibility that pairs especially well with emotionally nuanced literature. In The Four Gardens, his ability to visually evoke mood, memory, and transition aligns beautifully with the book’s meditative prose, making this edition a treasured volume for collectors and lovers of illustrated fiction.
For collectors:
- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, illustrated by Charles Robinson (1911) – His artwork enhances this classic children’s novel
- Our Sentimental Garden (1914) – A garden-themed memoir enriched by Robinson’s gentle, romantic illustrations.
- The Happy Prince and Other Tales by Oscar Wilde, illustrated by Charles Robinson (1913) – A perfect marriage of Wilde’s fairy tales and Robinson’s delicate style
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 – The Four Gardens 1912
