This enchanting French fairy tale is a timeless story of true love in the face of adversity and reveals the origin tale of the treasured Beauty and the Beast.

The story begins with a poor merchant and his daughters on the cusp of poverty. When there is a chance that their capital could be restored, the merchant leaves his family and embarks on a long journey. His children ask their father to return with luxurious gifts. All except his youngest daughter, Beauty, who requests nothing more than a single rose. In the merchant's attempts to obtain this flower, he encounters a monstrous beast, and changes the course of Beauty's future forever.

First published in 1740, 'La Belle et La Bête' is one of the world's most beloved fairy tales. Written by Madame de Villeneuve, the story was translated into English in 1858 by J. R Planché. This edition features two gorgeous engravings by Edward Corbould and the Brothers Dalziel.

Kenneth Grahame's charming children's classic follows the timeless adventures of Ratty, Mole, Badger, and Toad as they romp around the British countryside.

The Wind in the Willows is the enchanting story of four animal friends and their glorious adventures around the Wild Wood and the Thames Riverbank. With themes of unceasing camaraderie, mysticism, morality, and nature, the novel was first published in 1908.

Featuring Arthur Rackham's magical illustrations, this edition brings Kenneth Grahame's whimsical story to life. A much-adored artist from the Golden Age of Illustration (1850-1925), Rackham's delicate illustrations further refine and illuminate Grahame's masterful storytelling. This edition also features an introduction by author A. A. Milne, most well-known for penning the famous stories of Winnie the Pooh (1928).

Discover the original macabre stories of your most beloved classics in this collection of disturbingly dark fairy tales.

'Story-telling is one of the most ancient and universal of arts.' - Laura F. Kready, A Study of Fairy Tales, 1916

'The instruments of darkness tell us truths.' - William Shakespeare, Macbeth, 1623

This twisted treasury presents over forty of the world's most wicked fairy tales, including the original versions of stories you thought you knew, such as 'Cinderella', 'Sleeping Beauty', and 'Snow White'. Relish in the morbid darkness of these early classics, alongside many other tales you haven't heard before. From renowned storytellers of the fairy tale genre, this collection sources works from the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Andersen, and many more.

Dark Fairy Tales is woven with themes of lost innocence, beastly bonds, and haunted hearts, aiming to inspire, caution, and illuminate valuable aspects of the human experience. Be warned, for these stories are not for the faint of heart and happy endings cannot be guaranteed.

This book contains Rudyard Kipling's 1902 collection of short stories, Just So Stories. These fantastically imaginative origin stories are amongst the best known of Kipling's works, and offer entertaining explanations as to how various animals came into being. This wonderful collection would make for ideal bedtime reading, and is well deserving of a place on every family bookshelf. Tales include: 'How the Whale got His Throat', 'How the Camel Got His Hump', 'How the Rhinoceros Got His Skin', 'How the Leopard Got His Spots', 'The Elephant's Child', 'The Sing-Song of Old Man Kangaroo', 'The Beginning of the Armadillos', 'How the First Letter was Written', and more. These tales are also illustrated in black and white by Rudyard Kipling himself. Joseph Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was a seminal English writer of short stories, novelist, and poet. He is most famous for his poems concerning British soldiers in India and his wonderful children's stories. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, high-quality edition for the enjoyment of a modern readership. 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.

This touching fairy tale is Hans Christian Andersen's tragic story of a young girl who's left alone on the snowy streets the night of New Year's Eve.

In the cold and dark of a snowy New Year's Eve, a young girl desperately tries to sell enough matches so she can return home without facing punishment from her father. But as night draws in, and the child fails to sell her wares, she begins to use the matches as a last attempt to stay warm. As she loses consciousness, she begins to envision the most beautiful things around her.

First published in 1824, this classic story is a moral tale, evidencing the result of selfish or uncaring behaviour. As part of the Golden Age of Illustration series, this edition of The Little Match Girl features beautiful artwork from the likes of Arthur Rackham, Mabel Lucie Attwell, Harry Clarke, Honor Appleton, Maxwell Armfield, among others.

Based on the classic Christmas story by E. T. A. Hoffmann, The Nutcracker of Nuremberg is the magical adventure of Marie Stahlbaum's favourite toy, the Nutcracker, who battles the nefarious Mouse King in battle and takes the reader on a wonderful adventure, into a magical land of dolls. Dumas's version was adapted by the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky into the famous ballet The Nutcracker. Contents include: Part I: The Story of the Nutcracker of Nuremberg, Part II: The Story of the Nut Krakatuk and the Princess Pirlipate, and Part III: The Story of Marie and the King of the Toys. This wonderful story is accompanied by the beautiful silhouettes cut by Else Hasselriis. Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870) was a famous French writer. He is best remembered for his exciting romantic sagas, including The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo. Despite making a great deal of money from his writing, Dumas was almost perpetually penniless thanks to his extravagant lifestyle. His novels have since been translated into nearly a hundred different languages, and have inspired over two hundred motion pictures. 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 editions, so that the masterful artwork and story-telling can continue to delight both young and old.

A collection of 17 of Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tales illustrated with many black and white drawing by E. A. Lemann. Stories include; The Little Mermaid, The Storks, The Nightingale, Little Totty, Little Ida's Flowers and others. Pook Press celebrates the great Golden Age of Illustration in children's literature. Many of the earliest children's books, particularly those dating back to the 1850s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in high quality, colour editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children.

Discover the original macabre stories of your most beloved classics in this collection of disturbingly dark fairy tales.

'Story-telling is one of the most ancient and universal of arts.' - Laura F. Kready, A Study of Fairy Tales, 1916

'The instruments of darkness tell us truths.' - William Shakespeare, Macbeth, 1623

This twisted treasury presents over forty of the world's most wicked fairy tales, including the original versions of stories you thought you knew, such as 'Cinderella', 'Sleeping Beauty', and 'Snow White'. Relish in the morbid darkness of these early classics, alongside many other tales you haven't heard before. From renowned storytellers of the fairy tale genre, this collection sources works from the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault, Hans Christian Andersen, and many more.

Dark Fairy Tales is woven with themes of lost innocence, beastly bonds, and haunted hearts, aiming to inspire, caution, and illuminate valuable aspects of the human experience. Be warned, for these stories are not for the faint of heart and happy endings cannot be guaranteed.

Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale of The Ugly Duckling illustrated in colour and black and white by English illustrator John Hassall. Here he shows his wonderful poster style that so suits children's books. Pook Press celebrates the great Golden Age of Illustration in children's literature. Many of the earliest children's books, particularly those dating back to the 1850s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in high quality, colour editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children.

This enchanting French fairy tale is a timeless story of true love in the face of adversity and reveals the origin tale of the treasured Beauty and the Beast.

The story begins with a poor merchant and his daughters on the cusp of poverty. When there is a chance that their capital could be restored, the merchant leaves his family and embarks on a long journey. His children ask their father to return with luxurious gifts. All except his youngest daughter, Beauty, who requests nothing more than a single rose. In the merchant's attempts to obtain this flower, he encounters a monstrous beast, and changes the course of Beauty's future forever.

First published in 1740, 'La Belle et La Bête' is one of the world's most beloved fairy tales. Written by Madame de Villeneuve, the story was translated into English in 1858 by J. R Planché. This edition features two gorgeous engravings by Edward Corbould and the Brothers Dalziel.

'Perrault's Fairy Tales' is a wonderful collection of some true classics of children's literature. Perrault (1628 - 1703) was among the first writers to bring magical children's stories into the literary mainstream, proving to his original seventeenth century readers that such works were important, enjoyable, as well as thought-provoking. They remain as popular today, as they were then. He is responsible for such famous works as 'Cinderella', 'Little Red Riding Hood', 'Sleeping Beauty', and 'Puss in Boots'. 'Perrault's Fairy Tales' are accompanied by the dazzling illustrations of a master of the trade; Honor C. Appleton (1879 - 1951). Appleton illustrated over one-hundred-and-fifty books during the course of her career, with her most famous works including Our Nursery Rhyme Book (1912), Charles Perrault's Fairy Tales (1919), and the collected stories of Hans Christian Andersen (1922). As her career progressed, she began producing bolder images for literary classics - but her best-loved drawings remain those for the children's market. Presented alongside the text, Appleton's enchanting creations serve to further refine and enhance Perrault's magical storytelling 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 second instalment of Richard Wagner's best-known work The Ring of Nibelung has been translated by Margaret Armour and is presented in this volume alongside Arthur Rackham's gorgeous illustrations.

Siegfried and The Twilight of the Gods are the final two operas in The Ring of the Nibelung cycle. Inspired by the legendary hero of Norse mythology, Sigurd, Wagner's opera portrays a man without fear and his attempt to learn apprehension. Following the narrative is the finale, Götterdämmerung, which is a German translation of the Old Norse phrase Ragnarök, referring to a prophesied war and the renewal of the world.

Arthur Rackham, a master of the Golden Age of Illustration, provides dreamlike illustrations that refine and elucidate the enthralling final parts of this operatic cycle.

This edition of Tales from Grimm is a fantastic selection of 16 stories, decorated with Wanda Gág's splendid illustrations. Included, are such well-known and loved stories as 'The Frog Prince', 'Hansel and Gretel', 'The Valiant Little Tailor', 'Cinderella', 'Snow White', and 'Rumpelstiltskin'. Wanda Gág (1893 - 1946), was an American artist, author, translator and illustrator, who won many awards for her intricate and ethereal black-and-white drawings. She was fascinated by the work of the Brothers Grimm, and translated and illustrated four volumes of their work. The Brothers Grimm (or Die Brüder Grimm), Jacob (1785-1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (1786-1859), were German academics, linguists, cultural researchers, lexicographers and authors - who together specialized in collecting and publishing folklore during the nineteenth century. The popularity of their collected 'Tales from Grimm' has endured well; they have been translated into more than 100 languages, and remain in print in the present day. 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.

Join Alice as she takes a tumble down a rabbit hole and finds herself in an ever-curious fantasy world. This edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland has been brought to life by John Tenniel's magical illustrations.

Lewis Carroll's world-famous children's novel Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a magical tale of a young girl with a bright, curious mind. When she finds herself in a mysterious fantasy land, she explores many wondrous places and meets many puzzling characters. First published in 1865, the tale has been retold by many illustrators. This edition features the gorgeous black-and-white artwork from John Tenniel.

The timeless and magical tale of Cinderella is one we are all familiar with, but how well do we know the original story? Seven versions of the fairy tale from around the world are featured in this beautiful, illustrated volume.

A tale of cruelty, love, and a touch of magic, Cinderella has always been one of the most popular fairy tales. Discover more about the wonderful story and take a tour around the globe with this volume from our Origins of Fairy Tales from Around the World series. Featuring beautiful illustrations, this fairy tale anthology includes seven versions of Cinderella, and is completed by an in-depth introduction to the fairy tale genre itself, as well as a look at the folkloric provenance of the story.

Puss in Boots' is a true classic of the fairy tale genre, which has delighted readers both young and old, for many centuries. Known varyingly as the 'Master Cat; or, The Booted Cat', 'Il Gatto con Gli Stivali' in Italy and 'Le Maître Chat' in France, this feline trickster has made his way all over the globe. The story tells of a clever cat who uses trickery and deceit in order to gain power, wealth, and the hand of a princess in marriage for his penniless and low born master. This particular version is beautifully illustrated by Josiah Wood Whymper (1813 - 1903), an English wood engraver and water colour painter. On its original publication in 1900, the book captured the imagination of British children, and ever since has remained a wonderful example of the combination of imaginative art and literary story telling. Pook Press celebrates the great 'Golden Age of llustration' in children's literature - 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.

This volume features some of the most beloved One Thousand and One Nights stories. These original South Asian and Middle Eastern folk tales have been translated into English and are accompanied by Edmund Dulac's beautiful illustrations.

Compiled and translated by Laurence Housman, Sinbad the Sailor and Other Stories from the Arabian Nights brings a magical collection of South Asian and Middle Eastern fairy tales to a new audience. Featuring many much-adored fairy tales, this volume is completed by the glorious illustration from Edmund Dulac. A prominent illustrator of the Golden Age, Dulac's artwork is colourful and detailed, and is the perfect accompaniment to Housman's fantastic storytelling.

The tales featured in this volume include:

• Sinbad the Sailor
• Aladdin and His Magic Lamp
• Ali Baba and his Forty Thieves

In celebration of Arthur Rackham's 150th birthday, this volume features 150 of the Golden Age Illustrator's most beautiful works.

This gorgeous collection showcases a breadth of enchanting images from pioneering illustrator, Arthur Rackham. Featuring artwork from treasured classics such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, Grimm's Fairy Tales, and Undine, as well as his wondrous 1905 edition of Rip Van Winkle, and his final publication, The Wind in the Willows, this book is a treasure trove of Rackham's talent. This volume would be the perfect gift for all lovers of Rackham's art and those with an interest in the evolution of children's book illustration.

This beautiful Asbj rnsen and Moe folk tale anthology features wondrous stories from Nordic and Norwegian folklore, accompanied by Kay Nielsen's masterful artwork.

Edited and collated by Peter Christen Asbj rnsen and J rgen Engebretsen Moe, East of the Sun and West of the Moon is a gorgeously detailed anthology of Nordic and Norwegian folk tales. Featuring stories that are well-known and much-loved, as well as some rarer tales, this volume is completed by the incredible illustrations by Kay Nielsen. Dazzling colour and black-and-white illustrations accompany the text and bring Asbj rnsen and Moe's storytelling to life.

'Baby's Own Aesop - Being the Fables Condensed in Rhyme with Portable Morals' is a collection of Aesop's fables, beautifully illustrated by Walter Crane, and originally engraved and printed by Edmund Evans, in 1887. Aesop was a slave and storyteller believed to have lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 560 BCE. Of diverse origins, the stories associated with Aesop's name have descended to modern times through a number of sources - and continue to be reinterpreted in both literary and artistic mediums. This particular collection, presents the stories in poetic form, for a younger audience to delight and revel in. Walter Crane (1845 - 1915), was an English artist and book illustrator. He is considered to be the most influential, and among the most prolific, children's book creator of his generation. Alongside such names as Randolph Caldecott and Kate Greenaway, he was also one of the strongest contributors to the child's nursery theme. Crane's work is characteristically colourful and delightfully detailed, taking its inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement (of which he was a member), as well as the iconic child-in-the-garden motif. The artwork and the text of 'Baby's Own Aesop' are presented side-by-side, so that the two may be better appreciated. Pook Press celebrates the great 'Golden Age of llustration' in children's literature - 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.