Hans Andersen Fairy Tales (1916) – Illustrated by Harry Clarke

This stunning 1916 edition of Hans Andersen Fairy Tales showcases the mesmerizing and macabre artistry of Harry Clarke, one of Ireland’s most celebrated illustrators. Published by George G. Harrap & Co. in London, the book features Clarke’s intricate black-and-white pen-and-ink drawings, as well as striking color plates, which bring to life the haunting beauty of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories. From the sorrowful The Little Mermaid to the eerie The Snow Queen, Clarke’s illustrations are rich in gothic detail, Art Nouveau flourishes, and a dreamlike—sometimes nightmarish—quality that perfectly complements Andersen’s blend of whimsy and melancholy. His work transforms each tale into a visual masterpiece, where delicate lace-like patterns contrast with eerie, expressive figures.

A jewel of gothic illustration, this Clarke-illustrated edition of Andersen Fairy Tales is a must-have for collectors of dark fantasy and golden-age book art, offering a visual experience as unforgettable as the stories themselves.

About the Illustrator
Harry Clarke (1889–1931) was an Irish artist and stained-glass designer whose illustrations became synonymous with the darker, more surreal side of fairy tales. Influenced by Aubrey Beardsley and the Symbolist movement, Clarke’s style was characterized by meticulous detail, sinuous lines, and a hauntingly beautiful aesthetic. His illustrations for Andersen Fairy Tales and Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1919) remain his most famous works, cementing his legacy as a master of early 20th-century fantasy art.

Recommended for Collectors

• Tales of Mystery and Imagination (1919) by Edgar Allan Poe, illustrated by Clarke – A perfect companion to his Andersen work
• Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm (1909) illustrated by Arthur Rackham – For another iconic take on classic fairy tales
• The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault (1922) illustrated by Harry Clarke – Showcasing his later, equally mesmerizing style

Other books illustrated by the great Harry Clarke are also available for perusal in our gallery: Faust, The Fairy Tales of Charles Perrault, Selected Poems of Charles Swinburne, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, Year’s at the Spring.

Art Gallery: Harry Clarke – Andersen Fairy Tales 1916