Description:

An evocative and visually striking collection of illustrated literary classics and cultural titles highlighted by multiple volumes featuring the celebrated artwork of Arthur Rackham, one of the most revered illustrators of the Golden Age of Illustration. Rackham’s atmospheric and highly imaginative drawings defined the visual language of fairy tales and fantasy literature in the early twentieth century and remain among the most sought-after illustrated book works for collectors of classic literature, illustration, and decorative book arts.

This diverse and appealing group presents an exceptional cross-section of Rackham-illustrated literary titles accompanied by several notable twentieth-century pop culture and music-related publications, creating an engaging blend of fine illustration, literary history, and modern cultural ephemera.

The core of the collection consists of six visually rich volumes featuring Arthur Rackham illustrations:
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving - illustrated by Arthur Rackham. A dramatic supernatural scene typical of Rackham’s haunting woodland style appears on the cover.
The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith - illustrated by Arthur Rackham. A pastoral family scene rendered in Rackham’s delicate line work and muted palette.
Peer Gynt by Henrik Ibsen - illustrated by Arthur Rackham. One of Rackham’s most celebrated subjects depicting Scandinavian folklore and mythological figures.
Fairy Tales by Hans Andersen - illustrated by Arthur Rackham. A beautifully composed rooftop scene reflecting Rackham’s mastery of fairy tale imagery.
Cinderella told by C. S. Evans - illustrated by Arthur Rackham. A classic fairy tale presentation featuring Rackham’s distinctive decorative borders and character design.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - illustrated by Arthur Rackham. One of Rackham’s most iconic illustrated interpretations, depicting the haunting meeting between Scrooge and supernatural figures.

These volumes represent later 20th century reprint editions of Rackham’s classic illustrated works, produced to preserve and showcase his legendary illustrations for a modern readership. Rackham material continues to attract collectors due to the enduring demand for Golden Age illustration and fairy tale imagery.

Faust by Goethe - illustrated by Harry Clarke. Clarke’s dramatic, darkly stylized Art Nouveau illustrations are widely admired and highly collectible among illustration enthusiasts.

Famous for 15 Minutes: My Years With Andy Warhol by Ultra Violet. A memoir by Warhol associate Ultra Violet offering insight into the Factory era and the New York avant-garde art scene.

Norman Rockwell Illustrator by Arthur L. Guptill. A classic reference work examining Rockwell’s artistic technique and career.

Elvis Presley: The Whole Story by Chris Charlesworth. A richly illustrated biography celebrating the enduring legacy of Elvis Presley.

Pop/Rock Lyrics edited by Jerry L. Walker. A colorful anthology featuring lyrics from artists including The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, Joe Cocker, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Prince: A Pop Life by Dave Hill. A visual biography celebrating the influential musician Prince.

The books appear to be in overall good vintage reading condition with visible shelf wear consistent with age and prior ownership. Observed issues include minor edge wear, light corner softening, slight surface creasing on some covers, and price stickers on certain volumes.
The Rackham titles retain attractive covers with well-preserved illustrations, making them visually appealing display copies for collectors of illustrated literature.

While most volumes in this group are later printings rather than first editions, the presence of multiple Arthur Rackham illustrated titles significantly enhances collector appeal. Rackham’s work remains one of the most recognizable and sought-after in the field of illustrated fantasy and fairy tale books. The inclusion of Harry Clarke illustrated Faust further strengthens the artistic interest of the lot. Together with the pop culture and music titles, this group offers a compelling mix of literary illustration and twentieth-century cultural history.
A highly attractive mixed collection suitable for collectors of illustrated classics, Golden Age illustration, music memorabilia, and pop culture publishing.

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April 5, 2026 11:00 AM EDT
Stouffville, ON, CA

Oakwood Auctions

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $5
$100 $299 $10
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $2,999 $100
$3,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $49,999 $500
$50,000 $99,999 $1,000
$100,000 $999,999 $5,000
$1,000,000 + $10,000