The Enchanted World of Jessie M. King by Colin White is a captivating exploration of the life and artistry of Jessie Marion King (1875–1949), a celebrated Scottish illustrator and designer associated with the Glasgow Style and the Art Nouveau movement. This book delves into King’s whimsical, fairy-tale aesthetic, showcasing her delicate pen-and-ink drawings, ethereal watercolors, and intricate book designs that earned her international acclaim.
White’s text provides a detailed biography, tracing King’s evolution from her student days at the Glasgow School of Art to her prolific career illustrating children’s books (like The High History of the Holy Graal), designing jewelry, textiles, and even fairy-tale-themed ceramics. The book highlights her romantic, dreamlike style—influenced by Celtic folklore, medievalism, and the natural world—and her collaborations with publishers like T.C. & E.C. Jack.
Richly illustrated with reproductions of King’s work, this volume is a treasure for collectors of Golden Age illustration and admirers of early 20th-century decorative arts.
