DELUXE SIGNED LIMITED EDITION OF IBSEN'S PEER GYNT, ONE OF 460 COPIES SIGNED BY ILLUSTRATOR ARTHUR RACKHAM
(RACKHAM, Arthur) IBSEN, Henrik. Peer Gynt. London: George G. Harrap, (1936). Quarto, original full pictorial vellum gilt, pictorial endpapers, top edge gilt, uncut. $2500.
Deluxe signed limited edition of Ibsen's classic dramatic poem, number 233 of 460 copies signed by illustrator Arthur Rackham (of which only 450 were for sale), with 12 vibrant color plates by Rackham.
Peer Gynt, first published in 1867, was an immediate success and did much to establish Ibsen's international reputation. "A study of Norwegian character conducted in a mood of mordant irony," the work helped to define Scandinavian literature for the rest of Europe (Hartnoll, 405). This illustrated edition features some of Rackham's finest work, with the "remarkably fresh and interesting" illustrations bringing new life to the classic text (Hudson, 140). Without scarce original cardboard slipcase. Hudson, 173. Riall, 192. Latimore & Haskell, 74.
Text and plates clean and fine. Minor toning to vellum. An about-fine signed copy.