Description

Rip Van Winkle – Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

Rip Van Winkle is a short story written by the American author Washington Irving, and originally published in 1819. It is accompanied by the truly impressive illustrations of Arthur Rackham, and tells the story of a kindly and solitary character, Rip Van Winkle, who loves to tell the local children stories. Set in the years just before and after the American Revolutionary War, it is one of Irving’s finest stories. Irving is also known for his work of gothic horror, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820).

The book contains a series of dazzling colour and black-and-white illustrations – by a master of the craft; Arthur Rackham (1867-1939). One of the most celebrated painters of the British Golden Age of Illustration (which encompassed the years from 1850 until the start of the First World War), Rackham’s artistry is quite simply, unparalleled. Throughout his career, he developed a unique style, combining haunting humour with dream-like romance. Presented alongside the text, his illustrations further refine and elucidate Washington Irving’s enchanting narrative.

 

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With works such as Rip van Winkle, Pook Press celebrates the great ‘Golden Age of Illustration‘ in children’s literature – a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration from the 1880s to the 1930s.

Our collection showcases classic fairy tales, children’s stories, and the work of some of the most celebrated artists, illustrators and authors.

We publish rare and vintage Golden Age illustrated books, in high-quality colour editions, so that the masterful artwork and story-telling can continue to delight both young and old.

On this website, you can find out about some of our best-selling authors, illustrators, and stories. We also have a full bookshop, an introduction to the Golden Age of Illustration, and a history of the fairy tale itself.

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