FAIRY TALES

New York: Brentanos, 1916. Very nearly fine.. First edition, US issue, of Clarke's first illustrated book, a stunning Beardsley-esque interpretation of the Danish fairy tales. Lavishly illustrated with 16 color plates mounted on heavy stock, with lettered tissue guards, 24 full page black and white plates plus many decorative tailpieces. The illustrations are magnificent. Identical to British edition except for substitution of the American publisher's name on title. An increasingly scarce book. 11'' x 7.75''. Original grey cloth with black and white oval paste-on surrounded by intricate ornamentation in black. Top edge gilt, other edges uncut. Illustrated by Clarke with 16 full-page color plates in addition to many black-and-white images. Printed at the Complete Press in England. 320 pages. Spine somewhat toned, else beautiful.