Fantasy with its roots in the fairy tale
The Ship That Sailed to Mars
Harrap, 1923.
First edition. One of only 2000 copies produced, of which 250 were distributed in America by Stokes. 4to. 31cm x 23cm. White vellum spine elaborately decorated in gilt and grey paper covered boards lettered in dark grey. Forty-eight mounted colour plates, and forty-eight mounted pages of calligraphic text. A near fine copy, light wear to corners and contemporary ownership inscriptions. Vellum, boards and contents clean and fresh.
This book is an early example of fantasy literature for children, telling of an old man who builds a ship to sail to Mars, aided in his task by fairies. A lavish production, in which the magical images, such as "The Seven Sisters", living in compact little moons, each with its own doors, windows and chimneys, are utterly captivating and the size and style of the production have a significant impact on the reader. Dalby describes the book as "The most original and beautiful children's book of the 1920's".
Stock ID: 45097
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