A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1914) – by William Shakespeare, illustrated by W. Heath Robinson
This whimsical 1914 edition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream showcases the imaginative illustrations of W. Heath Robinson, offering a delightfully eccentric take on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy. Published by Constable & Company in London, the book features Robinson’s intricate pen-and-ink drawings and playful watercolors, which bring to life the enchanted forest of Athens with a unique blend of humor and fantasy. His interpretation of Puck, Bottom, and the feuding fairies brims with mischievous charm, while his elaborate, almost mechanical foliage and cobweb-like details lend the scenes a surreal, dreamlike quality. Robinson’s art—often tinged with his signature wit—transforms the play’s magical chaos into a visual feast of tangled vines, sprightly creatures, and moonlit revelry.
Heath Robinson’s work in this edition combines the fantastical elements of the play with his own imaginative sensibility, resulting in a visually delightful edition that continues to appeal to Shakespeare lovers and collectors of illustrated classics.
About the Illustrator
W. Heath Robinson (1872–1944) was a British illustrator and cartoonist, best remembered for his intricate drawings and humorous inventions. Early in his career, however, Robinson created a number of classic book illustrations in the Art Nouveau and Golden Age styles. His illustrations for A Midsummer Night’s Dream showcase a delicate, fairy-tale aesthetic with refined linework, atmospheric shading, and graceful character depictions. The 12 full-color plates and numerous black-and-white illustrations are infused with both beauty and levity, mirroring the whimsical tone of Shakespeare’s play. His Oberon, Titania, and Puck are distinctive figures—otherworldly yet human—imbued with personality and expression.
Recommended for Collectors
- A Midsummer-Night’s Dream (1908) illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A darker, more iconic interpretation
- The Tempest (1908), illustrated by Edmund Dulac – A magical Shakespearean romance with lush Art Nouveau illustrations.
- Songs and Sonnets from Shakespeare (1908) illustrated by Charles Robinson – To compare his brother’s Shakespearean art
- Comus (1921), by John Milton, illustrated by Arthur Rackham – A mythic masque with enchantment and whimsy in both verse and image.
Art Gallery: W. Heath Robinson – Midsummer Night’s Dream 1914
