Step into the World of Arthur Rackham

We are very excited to announce that Sancho's Rare Books has recently acquired a truly enchanting collection of books illustrated by the legendary Arthur Rackham. From the early American tale of Rip van Winkle to fairy tales like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, we have just over 20 timeless childhood favourites and candlelit talesbrought to life by one of the leading figures of Britain's Golden Age of Illustration.

Browse the Arthur Rackham Collection.

Who Was Arthur Rackham?

Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) was a British illustrator renowned for his ethereal and captivating artwork, particularly in children’s literature. His illustrations are synonymous with the golden age of book illustration and have enchanted readers for generations. His rather unique style blends intricate details, fine and delicate lines, and a sense of whimsy and the fantastical, bringing wonderful stories to life in a way that few artists can. Rackham’s work spans a wide array of classic literature, from fairy tales to myths and legends. His ability to infuse his illustrations with both whimsy and a touch of the eerie has cemented his place as one of the greatest illustrators of all time. His art elevates stories with new layers of magic and wonder.

What’s in the Collection?

Our new collection includes a range of titles, with some being first editions illustrated by the maestro, while others being later impressions. They are all complete, with beautiful, atmospheric plates depicting beloved characters and ethereal fairy tale creatures. And there is even a signed edition!

Here are just a few highlights from our newly acquired treasure trove:

• The Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella, retold by C. S. Evans, and presented and sold here as a pair of first trade editions and first impressions, complete with their lovely, complete dust wrappers. Dating from 1919 and 1920, this delightful pair is in excellent condition overall and is lavishly illustrated with silhouette drawings.
• The Tempest, William Shakespeare's most magical plays; the story of the betrayal of Prospero; the bookish Duke of Milan who uses magic to try to reclaim what is his from his brother Antonio. Paired with Arthur Rackham's enchanting illustrations—three of which, in the words of Fred Gettings, "reach near perfection"—this edition is presented and sold here in its first trade form, complete with a close-to-near-fine dust wrapper. This one's a rare one in this stunning condition!
• The Vicar of Wakefield—a humorous and time-enduring portrait of village life—is presented here as the first edition illustrated and signed by Arthur Rackham; a limited edition bound in vellum in a lovely condition indeed.

This and many more titles illustrated by Rackham—including the first trade edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (with an interesting backstory, which you can read more about in one of our recent articles), more of Shakespeare's works (A Midsummer Night's Dream), as well as plenty of fairy and folk tales—are all available on our website.

Explore the Book Collection

Browse our collection now, and please do reach out and write to us if you have questions about a particular title. It really does not matter if you are a fan of classic literature, beloved tales from the days of yore or whimsical art, as we are certain you will find here something for you as well. Browse the Arthur Rackham Collection.