Stories from Hans Andersen (1911) – Illustrated by Edmund Dulac
This exquisite 1911 edition of Stories from Hans Andersen showcases the luminous artistry of Edmund Dulac, offering a masterful visual interpretation of Andersen’s beloved fairy tales. Published by Hodder & Stoughton in London as part of their lavish gift book series, the volume features 28 full-color plates and numerous intricate decorations, each rendered in Dulac’s signature style—jewel-toned hues, delicate brushwork, and a dreamlike fusion of Eastern and Western motifs. From the sorrowful elegance of The Little Mermaid to the whimsical grandeur of The Emperor’s New Clothes, Dulac’s illustrations breathe life into Andersen’s stories with unparalleled richness and emotional depth.
A pinnacle of early 20th-century book art, this Dulac-illustrated edition remains a coveted treasure for collectors, celebrated for its harmonious marriage of literary and visual genius. The sumptuous plates, often with gilt accents, make it a jewel of the Golden Age of illustration.
About Edmund Dulac
Edmund Dulac (1882–1953) was a French-British artist and one of the foremost illustrators of the Golden Age. Known for his sophisticated use of color and composition, Dulac’s work often drew inspiration from Persian miniatures, Japanese prints, and European Symbolism. His illustrations for Stories from Hans Andersen represent the peak of his early career, displaying his ability to balance ethereal beauty with narrative power. This edition, alongside his Arabian Nights (1907) and The Sleeping Beauty (1910), cemented his reputation as a peer of Arthur Rackham and Kay Nielsen. His collaborations with Hodder & Stoughton, especially on Andersen’s stories, The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, and The Arabian Nights, remain some of the most treasured examples of fine illustrated books.
Recommended for Collectors
- The Sleeping Beauty and Other Fairy Tales (1910), illustrated by Edmund Dulac – Lavishly illustrated French fairy tales with Dulac’s romantic flair.
- Andersen’s Fairy Tales (1916) illustrated by Harry Clarke – For a darker, more Gothic interpretation
- The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm (1909) illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A complementary classic of the Golden Age illustration
Other books illustrated by Edmund Dulac available to view at our gallery: Stories from the Arabian Nights, Lyrics, Pathetic and Humourous from A to Z, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, The Sleeping Beauty, The Bells, and other poems, Princess Badoura, Sindbad the Sailor and other stories and The Kingdom of the Pearl.
- Complete list of books illustrated by Edmund Dulac.
- Our Edmund Dulac Art Gallery
Art Gallery: Edmund Dulac – Illustrations from Hans Andersen’s Fairy Tales 1911
