Arabian Nights (1928) – Illustrated by Virginia Frances Sterrett

This exquisite 1928 edition of Arabian Nights features the breathtaking artwork of Virginia Frances Sterrett, whose illustrations capture the exotic beauty and enchantment of Scheherazade’s tales. Published by Penn Publishing Company, the book showcases Sterrett’s ethereal, dreamlike style—soft yet vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and flowing compositions that evoke the mystique of the East. Her depictions of Aladdin, Sinbad, and other legendary characters blend Art Deco elegance with a painterly romanticism, creating a visual feast that transports readers to a world of magic carpets, hidden treasures, and moonlit palaces.

A testament to Sterrett’s extraordinary talent, this Arabian Nights edition is a cherished relic of the golden age of illustration, offering a window into the imagination of an artist whose brilliance shone too briefly.

About the Illustrator
Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900–1931) was an American artist whose tragically short career produced some of the most luminous illustrations of the 20th century. Despite battling tuberculosis, she completed Arabian Nights at just 23 years old, followed by Tanglewood Tales (1921) and Old French Fairy Tales (1928). Her work, influenced by the Art Nouveau and Orientalist movements, is celebrated for its delicate beauty and emotional depth. Sterrett’s illustrations remain highly prized for their ability to merge fantasy with an almost poetic serenity.

Recommended for Collectors

• Tanglewood Tales (1921) illustrated by Sterrett – Her earlier work on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s myths
• Old French Fairy Tales (1928) by Comtesse de Ségur, illustrated by Sterrett – Her final, unfinished masterpiece
• Stories from the Arabian Nights (1907) illustrated by Edmund Dulac – A complementary jewel-toned interpretation

Art Gallery: Virginia Frances Sterrett – The Arabian Nights 1928