Goethe. Illustrations by Willy Pogany - Faust - 1908

Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von - Faust - [1908] - First Edition Thus - Illustrated by Willy Pogany

An enchanting, early 20th-century illustrated edition of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's masterwork, "Faust". Translated into English prose by Abraham Hayward, this specific volume is highly sought after as the very first edition featuring the artwork of famed Hungarian illustrator Willy Pogany (1882–1955), published in London by Hutchinson & Co. in 1908.

Pogany's work on this volume is a phenomenal example of the Art Nouveau movement, blending fairy-tale motifs, mythical creatures, and rich, atmospheric fantasy. The plates—such as "Prologue in Heaven", "The Young Witch", and "Faust Drinks the Magic Potion"—are printed in vibrant, layered color tones with decorative, stylized borders that represent the pinnacle of Golden Age book illustration.

Detailed Condition Report

Binding & Cover: Bound in the publisher's original rich rose-red cloth. The front board features a large, stylized golden-gilt circular Art Nouveau vignette. The boards show standard, light age wear along the outer edges, but the gold gilt stamping on the cover remains exceptionally bright and unrubbed.

Spine: The spine retains bold gilt lettering ("Faust - Goethe - With Illustrations by Willy Pogany - Hutchinson & Co"). The cloth displays typical, age-commensurate sunning/fading. There is slight wrinkling and minor bumping at the crown and foot of the spine piece, but it remains structurally sound.

Interior & Pages: Text blocks and internal sheets are clean. There is expected, light natural toning to the page borders. The binding structure is firm with one plate loose leaves.

Plates: The 16 magnificent color illustration plates are cleanly preserved. The colors are vivid, fresh, and free from heavy foxing, fingerprint staining.

Page Count: xxiv introductory pages + 205 main text pages
Dimension approx: 25.5 x 16.5 cm.

Photos supplement descriptions.
"Please View & Used the photos for Part of Description & Further Condition Details"!!!
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