Tanglewood Tales (1903) by Nathaniel Hawthorne, illustrated by H. Granville Fell, is a charming retelling of Greek myths for children, serving as a sequel to A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys (1851). Hawthorne’s lyrical prose adapts six classic tales—including Theseus and the Minotaur, Circe’s Enchantments, and Jason’s Golden Fleece quest—softening their darker edges while preserving their heroic spirit and moral lessons.
H. Granville Fell’s Art Nouveau-inspired illustrations elevate this edition, with elegant linework and ethereal figures that evoke the myths’ timeless magic. His full-page plates and intricate borders—rich with floral motifs and mythological symbolism—transform the book into a visual feast, aligning with the Golden Age of Illustration.
A collector’s gem for lovers of classical lore and vintage children’s books, though purists may prefer Walter Crane’s 1893 edition.
