Nice relatively early English language translation of Andersen's fairy tales. Evocative illustrations by Weguelin.
Item 120800543140 sold for $405 on Nov. 6, 2011
1893 THE LITTLE MERMAID Antique RARE Book Hans Christian Andersen FAIRY TALES
"This auction is for an original 1893 FIRST EDITION of "THE LITTLE MERMAID AND OTHER STORIES " by Hans Christian Andersen, translated by R. Nisbet Bain, as illustrated by J. R. Weguelin.
Andersen wrote 168 fairy tales between 1835 and 1872. Moreover, Andersen's works were original. Only some fairy stories drew on folktales. The first few were published in "Tales Told for Children" when he was 30.
Stories such as "THE LITTLE MERMAID," "THE UGLY DUCKLING," "THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES," and "THUMBELINA" won him worldwide fame. Included in this book are his other classics such as "THE STEADFAST TIN SOLDIER," and so much more!
Andersen wrote prolifically, but his immortality derives from the numerous fairy tales he wrote for children.
During his lifetime he was acclaimed for having delighted children worldwide, and was feted by royalty. His poetry and stories have been translated into more than 150 languages. His works have inspired motion pictures, plays, ballets, and animated films, adapting into DVD's, audio books, tapes and CD's. The stories themselves are delightful.
There is a lovely INTRODUCTION by R. Nisbet Bain (1854-1909) who was the most prolific English translator of Hungarian Literature who worked for the British Museum Library and translated many volumes of folklore. Mr. Bain was fully equipped and equally qualified to have the pleasure of this introduction as he was also a biographer of Hans Christian Andersen.
What makes this book more exquisite are the beautiful BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS!!! by celebrated artist, J. R. WEGUELIN. John Reinhard Weguelin (1849–1927) was a Victorian artist and illustrator active between about 1870-1900. He interpreted the neo-classical style of Edward Poynter and Lawrence Alma-Tadema in watercolour. He specialized in this medium in the 1890s, a technically interesting, but financially dubious decision: however, he supplemented his income by illustrating translations of classical texts, such as the Lays of Ancient Rome by Lord Macaulay.
Published in 1893, this lovely book is in GOOD CONDITION for its age; especially to be 118 YEARS OLD. The original green bound cloth offers a nice pictorial with gilt emblems and title on the cover and spine. There is mild shelf wear as well as wear to the corner boards. The interior hinges remain intact yet the cloth seem is split exposing gauze. ALL 384 PAGES ARE PRESENT AND TIGHTLY BOUND. The text is clean and unmarked. There is mild foxing/blemishes. There are numerous black and white full page AND in text illustrations that accompany the various stories."
