Fringilla (1895) – by Richard Doddridge Blackmore, illustrated by Will H. Bradley
This rare 1895 edition of Fringilla, a pastoral romance by Lorna Doone author R.D. Blackmore, stands as a landmark of American Art Nouveau book design. Published by The Burrows Brothers, Cleveland, 1895. Tfhe volume features Will H. Bradley’s groundbreaking illustrations that helped define the American poster style. Bradley’s bold, floral-bordered compositions combine Pre-Raphaelite influences with emerging Art Nouveau sensibilities, creating striking black-and-white chapter headings and elaborate full-page designs. The artwork transforms Blackmore’s nature-inspired love story into a visual feast of swirling vines, romanticized figures, and intricate decorative motifs that heralded a new era in American graphic arts.
About the Illustrator
Will H. Bradley (1868-1962), often called “the American Beardsley,” was a pioneering graphic designer who became the first American artist to fully embrace Art Nouveau. His work for Fringilla showcases his signature style – dramatic contrasts, elegant lettering, and organic forms inspired by William Morris and Japanese prints. This book marked a turning point in Bradley’s career, establishing him as a leading figure in American illustration and typographic design. His later creations for The Chap-Book and Bradley: His Book would cement his reputation as the father of American commercial art.
Recommended for Collectors
- Le Morte D’Arthur (1893) illustrated by Aubrey Beardsley for comparable Art Nouveau treatment of literary classics
- The Chap-Book (1890s) featuring Bradley’s revolutionary poster designs
Art Gallery: Will H. Bradley – Fringilla 1895
