Legends from Fairyland (1907) – by Reginald & Horace Knowles

Legends from Fairyland (1907) is a beautifully crafted collection of original fairy tales and legends written and illustrated by the talented brothers Reginald L. Knowles and Horace J. Knowles. Published by S. T. Freemantle in London., this enchanting volume weaves together poetic prose, fantasy, and myth, making it a standout from the Golden Age era of children’s literature.

The stories blend elements of classical mythology, medieval romance, and the authors’ own rich imagination, often evoking moral and spiritual themes cloaked in dreamlike imagery. Rather than retellings of well-known folk tales, the narratives are original creations, distinguished by their literary elegance and a deep reverence for nature and the mystical.

The Knowles brothers’ illustrations are integral to the book’s appeal. Their artwork—black-and-white ink drawings and intricate decorative borders—shows the influence of the Arts and Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau, and early illuminated manuscripts. Delicate line work, flowing organic forms, and medieval ornamentation create a unified aesthetic that seamlessly complements the lyrical stories. The brothers often collaborated, with Reginald focusing on design and detail and Horace contributing narrative and illustrative elements.

A hidden gem of Edwardian fantasy, this Knowles-illustrated volume is a must for devotees of golden-age fairy-tale art and lore.

About the Illustrators
Reginald L. Knowles and Horace J. Knowles were British artist siblings best known for their collaboration on illustrated books of fairy tales, poetry, and religious works. Reginald, the elder, was particularly skilled in calligraphy and ornamental design, while Horace had a more narrative approach to illustration. Together, they created some of the most visually refined and artistically cohesive books of the early 20th century. Their work reflects a shared vision of art as a form of enchantment—infused with a reverence for the past, a love of beauty, and a deep sense of wonder. While less celebrated than contemporaries like Arthur Rackham or Edmund Dulac, their work is notable for its decorative elegance and lyrical storytelling. Horace, in particular, later gained recognition for his religious stained-glass designs, but Legends from Fairyland remains their most cherished joint project—a testament to their shared vision of a mythic, idealized nature.

Recommended for Collectors:

• The Rose Fairy Book (1910) by Henry Altemus, illustrated by Margaret Tarrant – For similar ethereal fairy imagery
• The Enchanted Forest (1921) by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite – An Australian counterpart to British fairy art
• Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens (1906) illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A more famous take on fairyland

Art Gallery: Reginal & Horace Knowles – Legends from Fairyland 1907