Tanglewood Tales (1921) by Nathaniel Hawthorne, illustrated by Virginia Frances Sterrett, represents a sublime marriage of classic literature and visionary artistry. This exquisite edition of Hawthorne’s retellings of Greek myths for young readers is elevated to extraordinary heights by Sterrett’s breathtaking illustrations, created when the artist was only twenty years old. Published by Penn Publishing Company, the volume showcases Sterrett’s distinctive Art Nouveau-inspired style through ten stunning color plates and numerous black-and-white drawings, all displaying her signature flowing lines, intricate decorative borders, and dreamlike compositions.

Sterrett’s illustrations transform Hawthorne’s mythological stories into visual poetry. Her depictions of “The Minotaur,” “The Pygmies,” and other tales shimmer with an ethereal quality, blending classical themes with a fresh, modernist sensibility. The color plates glow with soft yet vibrant hues, their delicate watercolor washes creating a sense of otherworldly enchantment. Each full-page illustration is protected by tissue guards, while smaller vignettes and decorative chapter headings weave throughout the text, making every page a work of art.

Sterrett’s illustrations demonstrate a remarkable maturity of style, particularly impressive given her youth and the physical challenges she faced while creating them. Her interpretations capture both the grandeur of Greek mythology and the intimate charm of Hawthorne’s storytelling, making this one of the most beautiful illustrated editions of classic children’s literature.

Collectors and admirers of Sterrett’s work may also treasure her other remarkable creations: Old French Fairy Tales (1920), her debut work that established her reputation as a master illustrator with its exquisite color plates and decorative elements; and Arabian Nights (1928), her final and most ambitious project, completed while battling illness, which features some of her most vibrant and imaginative compositions. These volumes, like Tanglewood Tales, showcase Sterrett’s distinctive blend of whimsy and elegance, her mastery of color, and her ability to transport readers into enchanted worlds through her art. Though her career was tragically cut short by tuberculosis, Sterrett’s small but perfect body of work continues to captivate audiences and remains highly prized by collectors of illustrated classics.

About the illustrator Virginia Frances Sterrett:

Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900–1931) was an American illustrator whose short life was marked by both illness and extraordinary talent. She produced only a handful of illustrated books before her untimely death from tuberculosis at the age of 30. Despite her brief career, her work has left a lasting legacy in the world of illustration. Sterrett’s style, influenced by both Art Nouveau and Symbolist aesthetics, is marked by elongated forms, graceful lines, and an ethereal sense of mood and movement. Her other major works include Old French Fairy Tales (1920) and Arabian Nights (1928), both of which remain highly sought after by collectors.

Recommended for collectors:

• Old French Fairy Tales (1920), illustrated by Virginia Frances Sterrett – A gorgeously illustrated collection of fairy tales with delicate, romantic visuals.
• The Arabian Nights (1928), illustrated by Virginia Frances Sterrett – Richly atmospheric and intricately composed, it showcases her mature artistic style.
• A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys (originally 1851) by Nathaniel Hawthorne – The companion volume to Tanglewood Tales, also reimagining classical myths.