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. Both volumes neatly rebacked, replacing the lower section of the spine on volume I. Covers of Volume I surprisingly bright, with some wear but the design remains clear and lettering easily visible. Spine lettering is distinct. Contents are fine and uncut, with some offsetting to the text opposite the plates. Volume II is in generally nice condition, with some rubbing to the label, all lettering clearly legible. The contents are clean and uncut, with some offsetting to text pages opposite the etchings. An exceptional survival of an historic piece of children's literature. Preserved in custom made quarter morocco box.

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 Grethel, 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 one other copy recorded at auction in the last sixty years.

PROVENANCE: The Bruton-Bement-Pforzheimer copy.

Stock ID: 19730