Beautifully signed in fountain by Arthur Rackham and hand-numbered at limitation page: "This edition limited to Five Hundred and Seventy copies of which Five Hundred and Fifty are for sale.  This Copy is No. '159.'  "Arthur Rackham.'"  Stated at copyright: "First Published 1932 by George G. Harrap & Co."  Bound in fine cream vellum (leather), gilt embossed cover titles, generally very clean with light wear, roll.  Rough-cut deckled leaves remain clean, bright; many leaves remain uncut.  Gilded top edge.  Bind fine.  

Frontispiece color plate with caption: "He Put the Bottle to the Child's Lips."  Features four superior and richly subtle color plates which greatly enhance this tale by Rackham.  Fourteen black & white vignettes, one double-page, with decorative headers and tailpieces.  Enchanting scissorcuts by Lisl Hummel.  Monochromatic green patterned endpapers of elfin king, arms spread with his sceptor.  

Includes original slipcase serving intended purpose to protect volume; some rub, edge wear, exterior adhesive reinforcement.  Case with title label at spine area appears individually hand numbered in Rackham's hand with same device as limitation page: "159."   A wonderfully realized and entertaining work of art and craftsmanship.  Near fine signed limited edition with original intact case.

Originally written in 1841 for twelve-year-old Euphemia "Effie" Gray,  this tale was first published in 1851 and became an early Victorian classic.  The first three editions, or printings, quickly sold out.  Ruskin presents a fairy tale that iterates the triumph of love, kindness, and goodness over evil.  It is also considered a fable, a variety of origin myth, and a parable. 

John Ruskin was the leading English art critic of the Victorian era, as well as an art patron, draughtsman, water-colorist, prominent social thinker and philanthropist.  Illustration with  Rackham's stylish imagery and whimsical flourishes throughout.   A beautifully imagined classic!  Printed in Great Britain by R & R Clark, Limited, Edinburgh.  8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.  Insured post.