Book excerpt: This book forms part of a series, dedicated to the artwork of Arthur Rackham ­(1867 – 1939), one of the most celebrated artists of the British Golden Age of Illustration. Over his long and illustrious career, he contributed to over 150 books, magazines and periodicals, resulting in a vast array of original artworks. Whether producing whimsical children’s images or murkier, foreboding drawings for adults, Rackham’s unique style of illustration was (and still is) admired by countless collectors, critics and the general public. For the first time, this book brings together the entirety of Rackham’s stunning images, sourced from rare and original books, in order that the modern reader may fully appreciate his art. This first volume comprises of over 340 black and white and colour illustrations by Rackham from his works dating from 1896 – 1910, and includes images from The Zankiwank and the Bletherwitch (1896), Tales From Shakespeare (1899) Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1907), Grimm’s Tales (1909) and Wagner’s Ring Cycle (1910) – to name but a few. The book also contains a biography of Rackham’s personal, professional and artistic life, as well as an introduction to the fascinating ‘Golden Age’ period of illustration.