Two volumes. First English edition, first issue with adverts at the end of volume I dated November 1822. Title page in the first state without the umlaut in "Marchen" on volume I. 12mo, (191 mm x 115 mm). In original paper covered boards, with Cruikshank illustrations to the covers. Volume II with original green cloth spine and printed paper label, over red paper boards. Translation by Edgar Taylor. Volume I has an engraved title page and eleven etchings by Cruikshank. Volume II has engraved title page vignette and nine etchings. The first volume is rebacked, with the spine relaid, spotting to lower panel, clean internally, with very light offsetting from the etchings only. The second volume is a fine copy, uncommonly clean and bright, some offsetting from the etchings internally. A very well-preserved set, rarely found in the original bindings.

The first appearance of Grimm's Fairy Tales in English.
Originally published in German in 1812-1814, this first English translation, and the first to be illustrated, held a great appeal to children and adults alike. It is regarded as the first illustrated children's book in the modern sense. The tales were gathered by the brothers over a period of years, taken from oral renditions of folk and fairy tales. They include some of the best known fairy tales in existence, such as Hansel and Grettel, The Frog Prince, Rumplestiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel.
Cruikshank's illustrations for these tales are amongst his finest work. In 1857 John Ruskin said of the etchings, "If you ever happen to meet with the two volumes of "Grimm's German Stories" which were illustrated by him long ago, pounce on them instantly; the etchings in them are the finest things, next to Rembrandt's, that, as far as I know, have been done since etching was invented."
Exceedingly rare in the original boards, with only two other examples recorded at auction in the last sixty years.

PROVENANCE: From the collection of Maurice Sendak (1928-2012).

Stock ID: 42447