CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE. REPEAT IF REQUIRED
Today’s title comes from James Branch Cabell’s preface to ‘The Silver Stallion, a Comedy of Redemption’, another of the splendid collaborations between the author and his illustrator, Frank C, Papé. This is the first illustrated edition of 1928 published by The Bodley Head.
The work is a splendidly rumbustious picaresque fantasy by a master of his field. This really is an impossibly nonsensical, yet un-put-downable escapade, rendered readable by Cabell’s flowing, poetic prose, full of lovely descriptions, perfectly positioned alliteration, barely concealed wit, and lascivious innuendo – all cleverly reflected in the elegant lines of his elegantly imaginative illustrator. Many of the author’s sentences are lengthy, yet gently undulate for the eyes to scan with no hesitation.
The numerous black and white illustrations consist of introductory pages to each of the ten books in the volume; tipped in plates; and line drawings at the end of each chapter. I have scanned twelve, almost at random.
The detail pays careful attention. How many riders are depicted here? The little boy stands protected among the frightening creatures concealed in the shadows. Can you spot the gaping-mouthed beast fashioned from the rock?
This little end-piece has sweat on the father’s forehead, a button bursting off his trousers, a hole in the boy’s onesie , and a missing shoe. The end of the chapter is repeated in the caption to the first illustration.
Note the protruding toes in this one. The artist portrays fingers and toes with such free-flowing accuracy.
Study the faces here, especially those in the peaks of the waves.
The artist’s take on the writer’s subtle lascivious humour is demonstrated by the young lady’s almost falling out of her sedan chair at the sight of what is suggested by the strategically placed leaf on the man’s shadow.
The paragraph above this end-piece suggests what is depicted in the dark clouds.
Papé’s mastery of line is represented in the two halves of this introduction to Book Five. Facial expressions indicate sanctity and devilry;
similarly the fluidity of his line is apparent in this drawing which captures the angry frustration of a father unable to control his impudently recalcitrant son.
Cross-hatching is used to good effect to provide a dark framework for this fearsome frolic. Look where the winged creature is aiming its sting.
The beauty of this liquid line may cause one to miss the dog’s sad, tearful, face.
The illustrator’s ability to pack immense detail into his frame. You may find much more, but I will draw attention to the wife’s taking on the disturbers of her sleep with fire irons and a broom.
The three faces in this end piece bringing up the rear tell a splendid story. In the form of the building overlooking the arch, Chad puts in an appearance.
Late this afternoon, Jacqueline brought Mum over for dinner. A pleasant evening ensued. Jackie produced vegetable soup; cottage pie with cabbage, carrots, and runner beans; and bread and butter pudding with cream or evaporated milk, according to taste. Jackie drank Hoegaarden, Mum’s choice was orange juice, Jacqueline’s, Ciro Bianco 2017, and Elizabeth’s and mine, Lellei Pinot Noir 2015.
I think I should like to come and live in your library! <3
Siddy would be welcome 🙂 Many thanks, Pauline
These are all simply amazing! Terrible time-wasters, though. It is hard to stop looking at them in order to take in every detail.
Glad you think so, Laurie. Many thanks
My goodness!!!
Good response, Laurie. Thanks very much
Marvelous illustrations, Derrick. Enjoyed them much.
Thanks very much, Frank
Do love the graphics and illustrations … the content seems bizarrely set in the past of headmasters and authoritarian figures.
So good to know that as we age we can let it go. 💛
🙂 Thanks very much, Val
Great illustrations dear Derrick.<3
Thanks very much, Laleh
My pleasure.<3
Wow derrick! Very cool post
Glad you liked it, Lynn. Thanks very much
Very nice
These are great!
Agreed, Leslie. Thanks very much
Such clever and wonderful illustrations! Thanks for sharing.
And thank you, Merril
That is an amazing duo of artists. I must say I’d never heard of either of them before.
I have several of their volumes, Uma. They are a great combination. Thanks very much
What wonderful detail (and details) in these unique and fascinating illustrations! I could stare at them forever! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
They are, indeed, marvellous, Carolyn. Thanks very much
Splendid illustrations!
From the age of book illustration, John. Thanks very much
Wow, how much creativity we see. Fantastic.
Indeed, Rupali. Thanks very much
I’ve spent a lot of time looking at the intricate detail of these amazing drawings Derrick, I’ll not have much time for other posts tonight. !!
Very many thanks, Ivor
This most be what all other fantasies are patterned off of, no?
No doubt, GP. Many thanks
A magical journey indeed Derrick. Wonderfully clever illustrations.
Many thanks, Miriam
Details !!
are like perfect playground for Freudian Psychoanalytic theories . Painting of unconscious mind .
Well seen, Witty. Thanks very much
An interesting story there. The illustrations are very detailed. A lot of work went into them.
Certainly so, Lavinia. Many thanks
I love the work of the old illustrators. Or should I say “illustrators of yore”? Hah.
Cabell would probably prefer “of yore”. Many thanks, Luanne
I figured!
What fabulous drawings. Thanks for introducing me to them.
One of my favourites, Sherry. Many thanks
Spellbinding detail … I love that flowing Art Nouveau pen-and-ink style. 🙂
It is marvellous, isn’t it Widders? Thanks very much
Haven’t had a bread & butter pudding for yonks; think I’ll have to try making one, .That book doesn’t appeal to me at all, makes my blood run cold just looking at those illustrations.I’ll stick to the pudding tyvm 😀
Thanks a lot, Brian. Enjoy the pud
Magnificent illustrations. And thank you for the comments. Coincidentally, this year’s Booker long list, for the first time, has a graphic novel on it.
Thanks very much, LL/PS
You do the most interesting things! Thanks!
And thanks to you, Rob
Wow, what a book! I like the illustrations 🙂
Thank you very much, Anna