Tales From the Enchanted Isles (1926) – by Ethel May Gate, illustrated by Dorothy P. Lathrop

Tales From the Enchanted Isles (1926) is a lyrical collection of original fairy tales written by Ethel May Gate and beautifully illustrated by Dorothy P. Lathrop, one of the foremost illustrators of early 20th-century children’s literature. Published by Macmillan and Co., this volume transports readers to fantastical lands filled with magical beings, timeless themes, and gentle moral undertones, capturing the enchantment of traditional fairy stories with a fresh literary voice.

Ethel May Gate, a poet and author known for her delicate, child-friendly verse and prose, weaves stories of mystery and wonder with a quiet elegance. Her tales evoke the mythic resonance of classic folklore while maintaining an original, introspective quality. The tone is both dreamlike and thoughtful, appealing to readers who appreciate the charm of the old fairy tale tradition with a modern, introspective twist.

Dorothy P. Lathrop’s illustrations provide a perfect visual counterpart to Gate’s prose. Known for her fine detail, ethereal compositions, and sensitive depiction of animals and mythical creatures, Lathrop elevates the text with a series of intricate black-and-white drawings. Her work captures the delicate beauty and whimsy of the enchanted isles, portraying fairies, princesses, and woodland scenes with a sense of grace and timelessness. Her illustrations are not merely decorative—they deepen the emotional resonance of the stories and bring their fantastical settings vividly to life.

A treasure of early 20th-century fantasy illustration, this Lathrop-illustrated edition is a celebration of mythic storytelling and artistic grace.

About Dorothy P. Lathrop
Dorothy Pulis Lathrop (1891–1980) was an American illustrator and author whose work in children’s literature earned her widespread acclaim, including the inaugural Caldecott Medal in 1938. She was especially known for her sensitive and imaginative depictions of nature and fantasy. Lathrop collaborated with many authors but also wrote and illustrated her own books. Her fine line work and delicate style drew comparisons to both Art Nouveau and the Pre-Raphaelite tradition, and her illustrations often reflect a deep love for the natural world and mythic storytelling.

Recommended for Collectors

• Hitty, Her First Hundred Years (1929) by Rachel Field, illustrated by Lathrop – A Newbery-winning classic with her art
• The Fairy Circus (1931), written and illustrated by Dorothy P. Lathrop – A whimsical tale featuring fairies and performing animals.
• The Wind in the Willows (1933) illustrated by Arthur Rackham – For another magical interpretation of nature
• The Silver Pony (1928), written and illustrated by Lynd Ward – A wordless storybook full of magical realism and dramatic woodcut-style imagery.

Art Gallery: Dorothy P. Lathrop – Tales from the Enchanted Isles 1926