A sought-after 1908 edition of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, magnificently illustrated by Arthur Rackham. This copy is the First American Trade Edition, published by Doubleday, Page & Co (New York) with sheets printed in England by William Heinemann.
Key Features:
Dated 1908: The title page bears the 1908 publication date, identifying this as the early issue.
Tipped-in Plates: Features Rackham's iconic color illustrations mounted (tipped-in) on brown art paper with captioned tissue guards. This deluxe production method is characteristic of the golden age of illustration.
Binding: Original tan cloth with gilt-stamped pictorial design of a gnarled tree and fairies.
Condition Report (Grade B-):
Exterior: The cloth binding shows age-soiling and darkening, particularly on the spine and edges. Gilt is present but slightly dulled. Corner wear is visible.
Interior: Pages are age-toned. There is some foxing on the tissue guards and text pages.
Plates: The visible tipped-in plates appear to be in good condition.
Collector's Note: Arthur Rackham's interpretation of A Midsummer Night's Dream is considered one of his masterpieces. The 1908 edition with mounted plates is becoming increasingly difficult to find, especially with the original cloth binding intact.
Arthur Rackham, A Midsummer Night's Dream, 1908, First Edition, Tipped-in plates, Golden Age of Illustration, William Shakespeare, Fairy Art, Art Nouveau, Doubleday Page, William Heinemann, Antique Book, Illustrated Books.