1920 The Ingoldsby Legends by Thomas Ingoldsby Esq. / Richly Illustrated by Arthur Rackham in Colour, Tone and Line / W. Heinemann, London

Here is a wonderfully illustrated antique edition of The Ingoldsby Legends of Mirth and Marvels by Thomas Ingoldsby of Tappington Manor, actually a pen-name of an English clergyman named Richard Harris Barham. Published in 1912 by William Heinemann, London. With wonderful artwork by Arthur Rackham comprising twenty-four colour plates, twelve tinted and numerous more line drawings (see photos). In good condition, with a tear across one page (repaired), being the main condition point to note. This is a large and impressive book.

Full title: The Ingoldsby Legends, or Mirth and Marvels is a collection of myths, legends, ghost stories and poems. As a priest of the Chapel Royal, with a private income, Barham was not troubled with strenuous duties, and he had ample time to read, and to compose his stories and poems. Although the "legends" are based on folklore or other pre-existing sources they are mostly humorous parodies or pastiches.

Inside the book opens onto an inked inscription from 1928, but there is no other writing or markings of previous ownership. All of the illustrated plates are present as called for, the colour plates having tissue guards. With the above-mentioned tear across one page which has been professionally repaired on one side (see final close-up photo), there is also a tear up from the bottom edge of another plate, but not effecting the text.

Light brown cloth covered boards have dark brown decoration to the front and spine and gilt titles. In good order, clean and smart. With some rounding to the corners and a slight bump on the top edge of the rear board. The spine has tanned a little in comparison with the front and back and there are a few small nicks to the cloth at the spine ends.

A really good version of the tales. Your antique copy of The Ingoldsby Legends will be wrapped with care in tissue an ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel if desired. 

H 26 cm x W 20 cm, 549 pages, 1.7 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK. (There are just a very few countries which I am unable to ship to).

* If you would prefer for your book not to be decoratively wrapped and sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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