Ingoldsby Legends
[RACKHAM, Arthur]. The Ingoldsby Legends or Mirth & Marvels. By Thomas Ingoldsby Esquire. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham. London: J.M. Dent, 1898. 8vo, xxiv 637pp. Green cloth pictorially stamped in gilt. Illustrated endpaper; 12 color plates and numerous full-page and smaller b&w illustrations. Spine ends and corners rather rubbed, small dent at bottom of rear board, hinges repaired with tape, else a clean, tight copy with all plates bright.
First Rackham-illustrated edition. Originally published in 1840, this collection of myths, legends, ghost stories, and poetry was exceedingly popular throughout the 19th century featuring artwork from illustrators such as John Leech, George Cruikshank, and John Tenniel. Rackham brought his considerable talents to bear in this profusely illustrated edition, capturing the humor and darkness of these tales. Rackham would return to this work in 1907 when it was reissued in a matching format to his more deluxe color plate volumes.