Princess Badoura (1913) Retold by Laurence Housman. Illustrated by Edmund Dulac
Published in 1913 by Hodder & Stoughton as part of their luxury gift book series, this exquisite volume presents a retelling of the Arabian Nights tale of Princess Badoura through Edmund Dulac’s masterful illustrations. The book features ten sumptuous full-page color plates and numerous decorative designs that bring the Eastern fairy tale to life with Dulac’s signature blend of Persian-inspired artistry and Art Nouveau elegance. His illustrations of the clever princess, her magical adventures, and the exotic settings glow with jewel-like colors and intricate patterns, transporting readers to a world of Arabian enchantment. The publication’s lavish production values—with rich paper quality, gilt accents, and meticulous color reproduction—make this one of Dulac’s most visually stunning works.
Edmund Dulac (1882–1953)
By 1913, the French-born British illustrator had firmly established himself as a leading figure of the Golden Age of Illustration. Dulac’s deep fascination with Eastern art and culture reached its zenith in this period, as seen in his flowing compositions and meticulous attention to Middle Eastern textiles, architecture, and costume details. His illustrations for Princess Badoura showcase his mature style—dreamlike yet precise, exotic yet emotionally resonant—and represent some of his finest work interpreting Arabian Nights tales.
For collectors:
• Stories from the Arabian Nights (1907) illustrated by Dulac—his first major foray into Eastern themes
• The Arabian Nights (1924) illustrated by Edward J. Detmold—another magnificent visual interpretation of Eastern tales
Other books illustrated by Edmund Dulac available in our gallery: Stories from the Arabian Nights, Lyrics, Pathetic and Humourous from A to Z, The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, The Sleeping Beauty, Stories from Hans Andersen, The Bells, and other poems, Sindbad the Sailor and other stories, The Kingdom of the Pearl.
- Complete list of books illustrated by Edmund Dulac.
- Our Edmund Dulac Art Gallery
Art Gallery: Edmund Dulac – Princess Badoura 1913
