Nathaniel Hawthorne / Arthur Rackham (ill) - A Wonder Book - 1922

"A Wonder Book" by Nathaniel Hawthorne and illustrated by Arthur Rackham - Hodder & Stoughton, London - 1922 first Rackham UK edition - 25cmx18cm - condition: a very good copy, in original red binding with gilt imprint in protective mylar cover, complete with all 24 tipped in Rackham plates. . A Wonder Book is Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 masterpiece where he reimagines classic Greek myths through a more whimsical, "Gothic" lens tailored for children. Instead of the often cold or stern tone of original Greek tragedy, Hawthorne added warmth, humor, and a sense of "wonder" (hence the title). The book is structured into six distinct stories, each introduced by a framing narrative featuring a college student named Eustace Bright telling the stories to a group of children: The Gorgon's Head: The heroic quest of Perseus to slay Medusa. The Golden Touch: The famous cautionary tale of King Midas, who wished everything he touched turned to gold. The Paradise of Children: A retelling of the story of Pandora and the opening of the mysterious box. The Three Golden Apples: Hercules and his quest to find the Garden of the Hesperides. The Miraculous Pitcher: The story of Baucis and Philemon, an elderly couple who show hospitality to disguised gods (Zeus and Hermes). The Chimæra: Bellerophon's adventure to tame the winged horse Pegasus and defeat the triple-headed monster. While the stories are Hawthorne's, the "soul" of this specific 1922 edition is Arthur Rackham's interpretation. Visual Atmosphere: Rackham didn't just draw the scenes; he captured the mood. His illustrations for "The Gorgon's Head" and "The Chimæra" are legendary for their intricate line work and muted, earthy color palettes. The "Golden Age": This book represents the peak of the "Golden Age of Illustration," where the artwork was considered just as importantif not more sothan the text itself