Pair Rare Arthur Rackham Illustrated Full Leather & Gold Gilt Books Ca. 1910-11

Description: This pair of rare books features the complete operatic trilogy in two volumes of world-renowned composer Richard Wagner and illustrator Arthur Rackham, with English translations of Wagner’s original German operas by Margaret Armour: The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie (d. 1910) and Siegfried & The Twilight Of The Gods (d. 1911). The set is beautifully illustrated with hand colored lithographs tipped in, and bound in very fine, full leather with hubbed spines and gold gilt lettering. Binder unknown. Printed in 1910 and 1911 by William E. Heinemann and Doubleday Pace & Co., these stunning editions are a must-have for collectors of Arthur Rackham illustration, or simply lovers of Norse fantasy and fairy tales. The complete interiors of these books are in their original form, while the stunningly beautiful full leather bindings with gilt spines may be vintage , very high quality, rebindings from 40-50 years ago. I am not an antiquarian book expert, and have submitted photos to two experts back east (NY and ME) to ask their opinions. I will amend this description when they provide their expert POVs. Of note, rebinding of this high quality today, in full leather with hubbed spines and gold gilt lettering would easily cost $500.00 or more per volume. Amendment 09.14.24: A well known antiquarian bookseller just replied to the photos I sent and said, without inspecting the two volumes in person, the range in retail value is from $2K to $6K. I’m more than a little surprised, not by the low estimate, but by the high. Net, these editions are spectacular, with 34 hand-colored lithographic illustrations by Rackham tipped into The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie, and 30 tipped into Siegfried & The Twilight Of The Gods. The subject matter is a delightful escape into the world of Norse mythology and Arthur Rackham's stunning illustrations bring the stories to life. This item is a true gem for any book collector or fan of Richard Wagner and Arthur Rackham. Here are the books specs: Measurements - Both are 10.00” L x 8.00” D x 1.75” D (thick). Bindings: Fine, full leather front and back, with original cover central illustrations in gold; gold gilt lettering on hubbed spines with five raised ridges on each book Condition: Please see photos, and request more if there is something specific you want to see. These photos are central to your evaluation of condition, since I am not an expert, just a lover of antique books. Both books are signed/stamped on their inside covers with the name of the previous owner, a Google search of whom revealed him to be a wealthy Florida attorney and book collector who retired in 1972. 1) The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie - excellent overall condition, fully intact, including all 34 Rackham illustrations; leather binding also in superb condition, with no significant rubbing on the corners or ridges 2) Siegfried & The Twilight Of The Gods - very good overall condition, but please look closely at the very last photo #24 for evidence that the first 13 pages inclusive of their illustrations are just beginning to pull loose from the top inside of the spine; otherwise, the condition of this volume is identical to that of the other Restoration Option: Earlier today, I took the second volume to a fine book binder in Knoxville TN, The Gilded Leaf - Fine Bookbinding & Restoration —- and the restoration expert / book binder there said this minor spine separation can be fully repaired, but it is not inexpensive. He estimated $300.00. If I do not rapidly sell these two beautiful volumes, I will withdraw them from sale, have the second volume restored, and then relist them at a significantly higher price. Price: Offering this beautiful set at $1195.00 or best reasonable offer. Shipping: The books will be carefully packed and shipped, fully insured with signature required, via USPS Priority Mail within 24 hours of purchase.

Price: 1295 USD

Location: Knoxville, Tennessee

End Time: 2024-10-13T17:20:06.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD