The Springtide of Life – Poems of Childhood is an anthology, collected by Edmund Gosse, containing Algernon Charles Swinburne’s enchanting verses for children. Swinburne (1837 – 1909) was a celebrated English poet and playwright, who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in every year from 1903 to 1907, and again in 1909. His poems are here decorated with the delicate and romantic illustrations of Arthur Rackham. Gosse once told Rackham that ‘this volume will not merely be the best book of the present art-season, but a joy to all sensitive people for years and years to come.’ He was correct in his estimations, and this text continues to delight readers both young and old, almost a century after its initial publication. Arthur Rackham (1867-1939), was one of the most celebrated painters of the British Golden Age of Illustration (which encompassed the years from 1850 until the start of the First World War), Rackham’s artistry is quite simply, unparalleled. Throughout his career, he developed a unique style, combining haunting humour with dream-like romance. Presented alongside the text of ‘The Springtide of Life – Poems of Childhood’, his illustrations further refine and elucidate Swinburne and Gosse’s masterful storytelling.

Comus – Illustrated by Arthur Rackham and written by John Milton is considered one of Milton’s timeless pieces. John Milton (9 December 1608 – 8 November 1674) was an English poet, polemicist, man of letters, and a civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell. He wrote at a time of religious flux and political upheaval, and is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost(1667), written in blank verse. Milton’s poetry and prose reflect deep personal convictions, a passion for freedom and self-determination, and the urgent issues and political turbulence of his day. Writing in English, Latin, Greek, and Italian, he achieved international renown within his lifetime, and his celebrated Areopagitica (1644)—written in condemnation of pre-publication censorship—is among history’s most influential and impassioned defenses of free speech and freedom of the press. Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) was one of the premier illustrators of the early 20th Century. He illustrated many books, the first of which was published in 1893. Throughout his career he had developed a very individual style that is was to influence a whole generation of children, artists and other illustrators. His haunting humour and dreamlike romance adds to the enchantment and fantasy of children’s literature. Pook Press celebrates the great 'Golden Age of Illustration' in children's classics and fairy tales - a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration. We publish rare and vintage Golden Age illustrated books, in high-quality colour editions, so that the masterful artwork and story-telling can continue to delight both young and old.

The tale of The Sleeping Beauty is here retold by C. S. Evans, and illustrated by Arthur Rackham. Charles Seddon Evans (1883 – 1944) was an immensely well respected writer, editor and folklorist, who brings this magical story to life. He wrote this version of The Sleeping Beauty as a companion volume to Cinderella, also illustrated by Arthur Rackham. Evans expanded Charles Perrault’s original story of Cendrillon ou, La Petite Pantoufle de verre, and followed the later version recorded by the Brothers Grimm in giving his heroine the name of Briar-Rose. His version of Sleeping Beauty is similarly thought-through. It is a tale sure to delight both young and old – unique in its truly captivating narrative. This story of The Sleeping Beauty is further told with Rackham's wonderfully intricate black-and-white and colour silhouette illustrations. Arthur Rackham (1867-1939)is one of the most celebrated painters of the British Golden Age of Illustration (which encompassed the years from 1850 until the start of the First World War). Rackham's artistry is quite simply, unparalleled. Throughout his career, he developed a unique style, combining haunting humour with dream-like romance. Presented alongside the text, his illustrations further refine and elucidate Evan’s enchanting storytelling. Pook Press celebrates the great ‘Golden Age of Illustration‘ in children’s literature – a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration from the 1880s to the 1930s. Our collection showcases classic fairy tales, children’s stories, and the work of some of the most celebrated artists, illustrators and authors.

Images from a broad span of Rackham's career include Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and some rarely seen magazine work.

The first major biography of Arthur Rackham, this 1960 profile contains hard-to-find concept sketches and developmental work, early line illustrations, and over 30 color plates that span his entire career.

A stunning treasury of 86 full-page plates span the famed English artist's career, from Rip Van Winkle (1905) to masterworks such as Undine, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Wind in the Willows (1939).