Today I reread and scanned
Beside the title page I have shown the front board.
Each of the first 62 stanzas is part of a pair in a decorated border. The 63rd stands alone on the final page. I have chosen not to reproduce the intermediate verses, but to include each of the double spreads
illustrating selected lines.
There are numerous analyses and observations on this classic romance from 1820, so I won’t attempt any.
MacDougall’s 1898 illustrations are worthy examples of the golden age of illustration, produced on good cartridge quality hand made paper originally uncut.
Beautiful illustrations, which I greatly prefer to the lyrics.
Agreed, Pat. Thanks very much
Probably not one of his better poems. (Personal opinion).
very nice
Thank you very much, Verma
Beautiful illustrations, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Merril
When I looked at these, my first thought was of William Morris. Then, I saw the date, and felt vindicated. It was in 1880 that Morris declared to a Birmingham audience, “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” I’d suspect a bit of Morris’s influence in MacDougall’s 1898 illustrations.
Quite so, Linda. Thank you very much
What a beautiful book to have in your collection! My eyes have feasted well on what you have shown us of it.
Thank you so much, Anne
I thought this looked like Art Nouveau! The text looks quite difficult to read.
Thanks a lot, Liz. I once had a facsimile of the Kelmscott Chaucer. Now that was difficult to read
You’re welcome, Derrick. I hadn’t heard of the Kelmscott Chaucer, so I checked it out online. I see what you mean about being difficult to read!
I think that they are some of the most beautiful illustrations that you have ever shown us. They all look like William Morris was heavily involved.
They do, John. Thanks very much
Love the illustrations. We don’t see many illustrations in books these days. At least not with that much detail.
Thanks very much, Chrissy
Wow! Gorgeous details in the illustrations…also, textures, movement, lines, shapes…quite mesmerizing!
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Thank you very much, Carolyn
Beautiful illustrations. A work of art.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
I agree, the golden age of illustration. They are beautiful. Thank you for sharing them, Derrick.
Much appreciated, Lavinia
Beautiful book! The illustration details are enchanting! I love basil.
Jackie grows basil. Thanks very much, JoAnna
Maybe I’ll grow some again one day.
Can you imagine that being produced today. Even in 1898 it must have had a very limited print run in that quality. What a treasure.
Thank you so much, Gwen.
Such beautiful illustrations
Thanks very much, Sheree
These are lovely. Books are a treasure. Did you have a birthday recently?
… An impressive publication. The subject was such a inspirational one for many Pre-Raphaelite artists.
Thank you very much, Roland
Illustrations have added a deeper dimension to the ballad. Thanks for scanning them for your readers.
Thank you very much, Uma
Beautiful! How I love the golden age of illustration.
Thank you very much, Laurie
Gorgeous illustrations!
Thanks very much, Ribana
I have it in an excellent Russian translation, but a very plain edition, minus the exquisite illustrations. Very enjoyable!
Thank you very much, Dolly
You are most welcome, Derrick.
Gorgeous! I’ve not read this one so I will make a point of it this week.
I can never wrap my head around Keats’ great body of work and yet he died at a mere 26.
Thank you very much, Rose
So elaborate.
Thanks very much, Leslie
Such a detailed work, the likes of which we no longer see in our world of minimalism.
Thanks very much, Lindsey