Fairies by Illustrators - An Antique Books Guide

Fairy Tales are something that might have been read to us when we were children and they have been read to our mothers and fathers, there mothers and fathers and so forth for many generations. 

In fact, some of the best known fairy tales authors such as Hans Christian Andersen and the Brother's Grimm have established such a role in society that we couldn't possibly go through life without hearing of the Ugly Duckling, The Princess and the Pea or Hansel and Grettel's ginger bread house.

Needless to say, fairy tales books are some of the best illustrated thanks to the creativity of the stories and the popularity that audiences received them with. Some of the world's most prolific illustrators, known as the Golden Age illustrators, have illustrated fairy tales books including Arthur Rackham, Edmund Dulac and Kay Nielsen.

I have tried to showcase a few examples of the classic 'fairy' below, illustrated by various authors throughout various eras. Constantly re-drawn and re-imagined, fairies are a chance for illustrators to showcase their imagination and skill.

E.S Hardy - Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales

Hebert Cole - Fairy-Gold

Jeannie McConnell - A Pilgrimage in Fairyland

Andersen's Fairy Tales - Margaret W Tarrant

Unknown

R. Savage - Queen Mab's Fairy Realm

A.D McCormick - Drake's Drum 

Charles Robinson - True Annals of Fairyland

Sir John Gilbert - Tales from Shakespeare

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Ancient Books - Pre 1700 - An Antique Books Guide

Antique books are all very well but ancient books are where true history lies.
Usually I define books (and all sorts of objects for that matter) in the following age brackets:

Modern - 1990 onwards
Retro - 1970-1989
Vintage - 1930-1969

New Antique - 1910's-1929
Antique - 1850-1910's
Old Antique - 1750-1849
Ancient - earlier than 1750

For this post I shall be looking at a single book I have recently looked after - dating from 1581 and thus firmly in what I would class as the ancient bracket.

This post is primarily photo based - for those who haven't seen a book this old before.
I do also want to show some of the most interesting features of such an old book and so will comment below photos for detail.

Details:
Tertia Pars Summae Sacre + Sum Commenatriis, S. Thomae & D. Thomae, Lugduni, 1581, 748pp

* Gilt decorated spine

* Title page with woodcut illustration and inked out inscription

* Title page close-up

* Here is the most notable feature - a stunning arcane illuminated letter

* Surprisingly decorative - note further illustration around the letter 'V'

* Full-size folio page with further illumination

This is a large but atypical 'ancient' volume, showing basic illustration and frequent illumination to key letters.

Stay tuned for more new posts coming soon.

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The Occult: Myth, Magic and Superstition (An Antique Books Guide)

The Occult

I should begin this post with a disclaimer: I am by no means an expert in occult collecting. Far from it in fact. I do however have a few interesting photos and examples of books on the occult to share. And a little advice.

Books on the occult often sell well - very well in some cases. Partly this is due to the limited circulation figures such obscure titles get. However, another part of the value of these books is the fact that they offer a glimpse into the unknown, the hidden and the inaccessible.

Being given a chance to see into a world away from ours is always going to be exciting, whether it's the world of the Illuminati, the Masons or even those who attempt magic.

And that is exactly what occult books do - they offer this unique opportunity, this small glimpse like a door left ajar, looking in on a different world to our own.

Below are a few examples of such books. I would be the first to admit a lack of belief in such books but it is easy to see their appeal and for that they are important to understand from a collector's perspective.

1939 Masonic Lodge Annual:

This leather bound volume is a genuine artifact from an impressive Masonic Lodge and offers a real look into the elusive sect of the Masons.

1960's book on Magic and the Supernatural:

A large and lavish book known for its comprehensive detail of various supernatural aspects.

The Famous Lancashire Witches book:

A well-known story of the famous Pendle Witches - based on fact according to some.

Transcendental Magic:

One of the 'holy grail' books concerning magic. This particular volume deals with topics ranging from necromancy to summoning.

A truly bizarre and in-depth book, published in the 1920's.

Thanks for reading and apologies if this post offends you .

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