Idylls of the King (1911) – by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, illustrated by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale
This magnificent 1911 edition of Tennyson’s Idylls of the King features the breathtaking Pre-Raphaelite-inspired illustrations of Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale, bringing the Arthurian legends to life with rich detail and medieval splendor. Published by Hodder & Stoughton in London, the volume contains 21 full-color plates and numerous intricate black-and-white drawings, all reflecting Fortescue-Brickdale’s mastery of romanticized historical scenes. Her artwork captures the chivalry, tragedy, and mysticism of Camelot, from Guinevere’s sorrow to Lancelot’s valor, rendered in luminous colors and flowing, tapestry-like compositions.
A treasure of Arthurian illustration, this Fortescue-Brickdale edition remains a pinnacle of early 20th-century book art, celebrated for its painterly beauty and faithful evocation of Tennyson’s poetic vision.
About the Illustrator
Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale (1871–1945) was one of the last true heirs of the Pre-Raphaelite tradition, known for her meticulously detailed, jewel-toned paintings and book illustrations. A student of John Ruskin and influenced by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, she became one of the few women artists to achieve significant recognition in the male-dominated art world of Edwardian England. Her illustrations for Idylls of the King are considered her masterpiece, blending Arthurian grandeur with delicate emotional depth.
Recommended for Collectors
- The High History of the Holy Graal (1908) illustrated by Jessie M. King – Another Arthurian-inspired work with Art Nouveau flair
- Le Morte d’Arthur (1893) illustrated by Aubrey Beardsley – For a more decadent, fin-de-siècle take on the legends
Art Gallery: Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale – The Idylls of the King 1911
