Fairy Tales : Illustrated By Harry Clarke ( The Full Leather Special Edition) by Andersen, Hans Christian - 1916

The First UK printing published by George Harrap & Co. Ltd in 1916 (nd). This title was issued in three editions : The Trade edition with standard grey cloth (priced at 20 shillings), a full leather edition (priced at 30 shillings) and a signed limited edition of 125 copies bound in vellum and priced at 3 Guineas. This book is the scarce full leather edition and is in Very Good++ condition. Light pushing at the spine ends with a little loss at the upper spine end. The gilt titling remains bright to the spine and the front cover. Previous owner's name to the verso of the front end paper and a contemporary gift inscription to the second blank endpaper. A little light spotting to the prelims and light toning to the page edges. The plates remain clean. Gilt top edge remains very bright. The book has benefited from the spine having been professionally rebacked with the original spine and transparent archival reinforcement tape applied to the gutter of the title page. The binding now presents very tight. The book is lavishly illustrated with 16 full colour plates mounted on heavy stock with captioned letter guards, 24 full page B/W plates plus many decorative tail pieces. All the plates are present and are in lovely condition. One tissue guard has been replaced. Harry Clarke's first illustrated book and very scarce as the UK true first printing. Harry Clarke was an acclaimed Irish stained-glass artist and book illustrator who was born in Dublin and was a leading figure in the Irish Arts and Crafts Movement. He died tragically of TB at the early age of 42 years. A very scarce title in this full leather special edition and the first we have handled to date. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.