Red Magic: A Collection of the World’s Best Fairy Tales (1930), edited by Romer Wilson, illustrated by Kay Nielsen

Red Magic (1930) by Wilson Romer, illustrated by Kay Nielsen, emerges as one of the most visually stunning children’s fantasy books of the early 20th century. This lavish collection of global fairy tales is elevated to extraordinary heights by Nielsen’s breathtaking Art Deco-inspired illustrations, created during the golden age of gift book publishing. The Danish artist’s signature style – characterized by dramatic silhouettes, intricate patterns, and luminous color palettes – transforms each story into a mesmerizing visual experience.

Nielsen’s artwork for Red Magic represents some of his finest color plate work, with eight full-page illustrations glowing with jewel-like intensity. His compositions masterfully blend Eastern and Western aesthetic influences, featuring elongated figures that seem to move across the page with theatrical grace. The illustrations for tales like “The Snow Queen” and “The Flying Trunk” showcase Nielsen’s unparalleled ability to create atmosphere through his use of negative space and subtle gradations of color. Each plate is protected by delicate tissue guards, heightening the sense of discovery when turning the pages.

The volume’s production matches its artistic ambition, bound in rich red cloth with gilt stamping that reflects its title. Nielsen’s decorative motifs extend to chapter headings and tailpieces, creating a cohesive visual journey throughout the book. Published by Jonathan Cape in London, this edition captures Nielsen at the height of his powers, between his celebrated work for In Powder and Crinoline (1913), East of the Sun, West of the Moon (1914) and his later contributions to Disney’s Fantasia.

For collectors, Red Magic holds particular significance as one of Nielsen’s rarest illustrated works. The book’s small print run and the fragility of its color plates make well-preserved copies exceptionally scarce. When found with all plates intact and vibrant, this volume stands as a crown jewel of illustrated children’s literature – a dazzling fusion of storytelling and visual artistry that continues to inspire generations of artists and readers alike. Nielsen’s illustrations transcend the text, creating a self-contained world of magic and wonder that makes Red Magic one of the most desirable illustrated books of the 20th century.

About the illustrator Kay Nielsen:

Kay Nielsen (1886–1957) was a Danish illustrator renowned for his theatrical, dreamlike imagery. He gained fame through works like East of the Sun and West of the Moon (1914) and In Powder and Crinoline (1913). Nielsen also worked briefly with Disney, contributing to the conceptual designs for Fantasia. Though his career waned later in life, his illustrations remain deeply influential for their rich imagination and exquisite detail.

Recommended for collectors and readers:

• East of the Sun and West of the Moon (1914), illustrated by Kay Nielsen – A Scandinavian fairy tale masterpiece with some of Nielsen’s most iconic work.
• The Yellow Fairy Book (1894), edited by Andrew Lang, illustrated by H.J. Ford – A foundational fairy tale collection with a wide cultural range.
• The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (1924), illustrated by Kay Nielsen – A classic pairing of poignant stories with luminous illustration.

Kay Nielsen – Red Magic illustrations