RACKHAM, Arthur (illus.); RUSKIN, John.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

The King of the Golden River. Signed limited edition, number 328 of 570 copies signed by the artist. Ruskin's story was originally conceived in 1841, and written for his future wife, Effie Gray: "Effie first met her future husband when she was twelve, on a visit to Herne Hill. The following year, 1841, on a second visit, she challenged him to write a fairy story" (ODNB).First published in 1850, with illustrations by Richard Doyle, Ruskin's only published work of fiction proved one of his most popular books. "The tale, in the manner of the brothers Grimm, deployed imagery that was to resurface in Ruskin's writings on political economy" (ODNB). Rackham's edition first appeared in 1932, and this deluxe signed edition followed shortly after.

Found via Rare Books Intel, a search across rare-book dealers, auction houses and marketplaces worldwide.