Having decided to take a physical rest today I gave my brain a workout with this work.
Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch (born Nov. 21, 1863, Bodmin, Cornwall, Eng.—died May 12, 1944, Fowey, Cornwall) was an English poet, novelist, and anthologist noted for his compilationof The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250–1900(1900; revised 1939) and The Oxford Book of Ballads (1910).
He was educated at Newton Abbot College, Clifton College, and Trinity College, Oxford, where he became lecturer in classics (1886–87). In 1887 he wrote Dead Man’s Rock, the first of several novels of Cornwall and the sea. From 1887 to 1892 he worked in London for a publishing firm and as assistant editor of The Speaker. A number of short stories that he contributed to it were reprinted in book form as Noughts and Crosses (1891), the first of a dozen similar volumes. In 1892 he settled at Fowey, the small Cornish port that appears in his stories as “Troy Town.” He was knighted in 1910 and in 1912 was appointed King Edward VII professor of English literature at Cambridge and also elected a fellow of Jesus College. (https://www.britannica.com/biography/Arthur-Thomas-Quiller-Couch)
On the year in which he received his knighthood, he introduced
with “The Story of Hamlet” which details in erudite and fluent modern prose of his time the tale of Shakespeare’s timeless eponymous masterpiece. In more than 20 pages, he clarifies all the dramatis personae, their roles, their relationships, and their characters; he describes their actions, their locations, and their influences; finishing up with observations about the Scandinavian source material upon which our playwright is thought to have based his work. It would be extremely helpful in conveying an understanding of the play for any newcomer.
My first edition was presented with a fine copper plate inscription to “Tristan With love From J. A. R. Decber 25th 1910”.
Well past a century old, the outside of my book bears signs of ageing in the spine, but its inner core is unharmed, except for slight creasing of two of the tipped in colour plates, each of which is protected by undamaged tissue.
The frontispiece is paired with the title page above, the left side of which shows the edge of the the protecting sheet.
As demonstrated by these colour plates, W. G. Simmonds was a master of the golden age of book illustration. Similar edges of the protectors are shown in this gallery of images.
The last page of each Act is decorated with a drawing by the artist; each sheet of tissue bears a similar illustration and lines from the play relevant to the specific colour plate.
This evening we all dined on Jackie’s wholesome sausages in red wine; creamy mashed potatoes; firm carrots, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts; and tender green beans, with which I drank Reserva Privada Chilean Malbec 2022
These illustrations do look like they came from the golden age of book illustration. Beautiful share, Derrick.
Thank you very much, Pat
I am in awe. These are outstanding and the book is simply a treasure. Thank you for your mental workout on this post.
Much appreciated, Crystal
It’s a beautiful book, Derrick. Thank you for sharing your mental workout!
Much appreciated, Merril
What a beautiful book- especially the colour plates. A lovely mental workout I’m sure!
Thank you very much, Kim
I hope that you are proceeding on the way to recovery, Derrick, and the physical rest is not indicative of any issues.
A truly marvelous book enhanced by splendid illustrations.
Thank you so much, Dolly. No further issues. Next appointment 2nd August
The color plates are beautiful! There is a lot to be said for a book as an art object.
There is. It is such a shame that so many of those pictures have been removed from the books and framed. Thank you very much, Liz
You’re welcome, Derrick.
You seriously have the best editions of books!
Thank you very much, Donna
Thank you for sharing this beautiful book. The illustrations are wonderfully rich!
Much appreciated, JoAnna
I’m glad you’re resting, Derrick. I know it helps with recovery. These bookplates are stunning! I’m impressed with the detail, not to mention the excellent shape of the book’s interior at large. Lucky you!
Thank you so much, Alys. I paid £6.50 for that in 1975 – a lot of money to me then
Wow! It’s a treasure.
I have scrolled through the 28 magnificent illustrations that you scanned for us to peruse. Thank you for sharing these interesting images, Derrick …
Much appreciated, Ivor
I wish we had a copy of Sir Arthur’s book when we were studying Hamlet for the ‘O’ Level Exams. What beautiful illustrated books we had in those days!
Thanks very much, Rosaliene. Me, too
🙂
They knew how to make books in those days! Sadly, the spines of books deteriorate as a result of exposure to light and dust, among other things. I found a book on my shelves the other day I thought I had mislaid forever: its expected orange spine had turned white!
Thank you very much, Anne
Fabulous illustrations. Your post reminded me of ‘A’ level English Literature. Hamlet was one of my study books.
Thanks very much, Andrew
I’m glad you are attempting to rest! Though I’m not sure that getting up and down to scan books and pages is classed as resting; the project must have taken quite a chunk of time. Well done!
You have, quite rightly, sussed the exercise involved in the scanning process. My excuse is that I have to keep the knees working. Thanks very much, Sue
I can understand that. My fit watch vibrates every hour on my wrist as a reminder to get up and move around. Times flies when engrossed in a book or glued to the computer screen. 🙂
Getting to all your classics!!
Thank you very much, GP
These are magnificent.
Thank you very much, Sherry
Those colored plates are beautiful! It was indeed the Golden Age of Illustration.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
Gorgeous illustrations
Thanks very much, Sheree
Indeed, you gave your brain a workout with this work. Well done! Phenomenal artwork!
Thank you very much, Jan
Great illustrations, Derrick. I’d call your mental workout cross-training!
Thank you very much, Barbara
What a wonderful edition, Derrick. I am green with envy. If ever I were to have a look at your library, you would have to search me on the way out.
Cheers.
Thanks very much, Brian