The High History of the Holy Graal (1903) – by Sebastian Evans, illustrated by Jessie M. King

The High History of the Holy Graal (1903) is a poetic English translation of the medieval French romance Perlesvaus, rendered by Sebastian Evans and published by J. M. Dent & Co. This edition is revered not only for its literary value but also for its exquisite illustrations by Jessie M. King, a leading figure of the Glasgow School and a pioneer of Art Nouveau illustration.

The text itself is a richly symbolic and mystical retelling of the Grail legend, following the quests of Perceval and other knights of the Round Table as they seek the sacred relic. Unlike the more familiar versions of Arthurian legend by Malory or Tennyson, Perlesvaus offers a unique vision—darker, more introspective, and steeped in spiritual allegory. Evans’s translation captures the medieval cadence and visionary tone of the original, making it a rewarding read for lovers of myth and medieval literature.

Jessie M. King’s illustrations are central to the book’s enduring appeal. Her delicate black-and-white drawings and ornamental designs reflect the decorative style of the Art Nouveau movement, with flowing lines, intricate patterns, and an ethereal quality that complements the mystical subject matter. King’s work is noted for its originality, often blending fantasy with a dreamlike, almost symbolic aesthetic. Her borders, vignettes, and full-page plates create a cohesive visual narrative that enhances the reader’s immersion into the world of Grail legend.

A jewel of Celtic Revival art, this King-illustrated Grail quest is a testament to the enduring power of Arthurian legend and the golden age of book design.

About the Illustrator
Jessie Marion King (1875–1949) was a Scottish illustrator, designer, and writer, closely associated with the Glasgow Style and Art Nouveau movement. She was renowned for her fine line work, imaginative compositions, and incorporation of mythological and fairy tale themes. Trained at the Glasgow School of Art, King brought a lyrical, otherworldly quality to all her work, influencing both British and Continental book illustration. Her work on The High History of the Holy Graal is widely regarded as one of her masterpieces, blending medieval romanticism with early modern artistic innovation.

Recommended for Collectors:

• The Defence of Guenevere (1904) by William Morris, illustrated by King – For more Arthurian elegance
• The Romance of King Arthur (1917), illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A richly illustrated retelling of Arthurian legends with Rackham’s distinctive fantasy style.
• Idylls of the King (1911) illustrated by Eleanor Fortescue-Brickdale – A Pre-Raphaelite counterpart
• The Book of Wonder (1912), by Lord Dunsany, illustrated by Sidney H. Sime – A fantastical collection of tales with dark, dreamlike illustrations.

Other Jessie M. King illustrated works available in our gallery: The Defence of Guenevere, A House of Pomegranates, The Mummy’s Bedtime Story Book, Seven Happy Days, Poems of Spenser, Habitation Forcee.

Art Gallery: Jessie M. King – The High History of the Holy Graal 1903