This enchanting collection pairs classic children’s poetry with the luminous, dreamlike illustrations of Maxfield Parrish, one of America’s most beloved Golden Age artists. Featuring verses by Eugene Field, including the beloved “Wynken, Blynken, and Nod,” the book transports readers to a world of fantasy and nostalgia, rendered in Parrish’s signature hues of cobalt blue, ethereal gold, and rosy twilight.
Parrish’s paintings—rich with whimsical details and glowing light—depict moonlit fishing boats, castle-dwelling kings, and sleepy nursery rhymes come to life. His idealized, almost theatrical compositions blend Pre-Raphaelite romanticism with Art Nouveau elegance, creating a visual realm where childhood imagination feels tangible.
Originally published in 1904, Poems of Childhood became a cornerstone of early 20th-century illustrated books. Modern reprints preserve Parrish’s magic, though first editions (with their original gilt-stamped covers) remain prized by collectors. A timeless fusion of poetry and art, it captures the wonder of youth through Parrish’s “land of pure delight.”
“Parrish didn’t illustrate dreams—he made the page a window into them.”
