The Ship of Ishtar (1949) By A. Merritt. Illustrated by Virgil Finlay

The 1949 edition of The Ship of Ishtar by A. Merritt, published by Borden Publishing, is a celebrated fantasy novel brought vividly to life by the intricate black-and-white illustrations of Virgil Finlay, one of the foremost science fiction and fantasy artists of the 20th century. Originally published in 1924, the novel is a classic of early American fantasy literature. It follows archaeologist Kenton as he is mystically transported onto a Babylonian ship locked in eternal conflict between two ancient deities—Ishtar and Nergal.

Merritt’s rich, poetic prose and exotic world-building are matched by Finlay’s meticulously detailed pen-and-ink drawings, which add a layer of dark beauty and cosmic eeriness to the tale. This edition is prized by collectors for its marriage of pulp-era storytelling with fine illustration.

About the Illustrator:
Virgil Finlay (1914–1971) was a legendary American illustrator renowned for his work in pulp magazines like Weird Tales, Amazing Stories, and Fantastic Universe. Known for his technical mastery with pen and ink, Finlay often used stippling and cross-hatching to achieve highly detailed, almost photorealistic textures. His work helped define the visual aesthetic of mid-century science fiction and fantasy.

Recommended for Collectors and Fans:

• A Voyage to Arcturus by David Lindsay, illustrated by Bob Pepper or found in illustrated specialty editions – A surreal philosophical space fantasy, often compared to Merritt’s cosmic themes.
• The King of Elfland’s Daughter by Lord Dunsany, illustrated by Sime or found in deluxe editions – A poetic fantasy tale with mythic resonance and lush language, a spiritual cousin to Merritt’s lyrical style.
• The Moon Pool by A. Merritt, also illustrated in various editions – Another of Merritt’s exotic adventures, featuring a blend of lost civilizations, cosmic mystery, and richly imagined otherworlds.

Art Gallery: Virgil Finlay – The Ship of Ishtar 1949