Sunday 12 June 2016

Books from my Bookshelf - Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales

This week I'm sharing another treasure from my bookshelf. When I found this almost twenty years ago it was in a very sorry state which might explain how it ended up in a charity shop. Thankfully, none of the colour plates were missing but the covers had suffered dreadfully. Covered in grime, falling apart and completely unloved I doubted it could be restored, but I needn't have worried because the bookbinder did an excellent job, and the book has smiled down from my bookshelf ever since! It still shows some signs of its previous history, which is perfectly fine with me. 

Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales
First published in 1913
Publisher Constable, London
Illustrations W. Heath Robinson

Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Heath Robinson
The Peasant's wife at the door of her cottage reading her hymn book. 
(The Wild Swans)


Books from my Bookshelf Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales
Yes! I will go with thee, said Tommelise, and she seated herself on the bird's back. 
(Tommelise)


Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson
We will bring him two little ones, a brother and a sister.
(The Storks)


Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson
Father-Stork

The seventeen fairy tales are; The Marsh King’s Daughter, Tommelise, The Snow Queen, Elfin-Mount, The Little Mermaid, The Storks, The Nightingale, The Wild Swans, The Real Princess, The Red Shoes, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Swineherd, The Fling Trunk, The Leaping Match, The Shepherdess and the Chimney-Sweeper, The Ugly Duckling and The Naughty Boy.


Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson
She stood at the door and begged for a piece of barley-corn
(Tommelise)


Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson
Then began the Nightingale to sing
(The Nightingale)


Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson
Round and round they went, such whirling and twirling 
(Elfin-Mount)


Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson
Suddenly a large Raven hopped upon the snow in front of her. 
(The Snow Queen)


Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson
"He did not come to woo her," he said "he had only come to hear the wisdom of the Princess"
(The Snow Queen)


Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson
The bud opened into a full-blown flower, in the middle of which was a beautiful child
(The Marsh King's Daughter)


Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson
She put the statue in her garden
(The Little Mermaid)

All the images shared here are from my copy of Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales. This is just a small selection from the seventeen colour plates and more than eighty black-and-white drawings.

The Book Reader below is via Archive.Org, clicking on the link will take you to a larger more detailed version. Source: Archive.org, Public Domain (Digitizing Sponsor: New York Public Library)

 Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales with illustrations by W. Heath Robinson:


Source: Archive.org,Public Domain (Digitizing Sponsor: New York Public Library)




I'm going to be taking a short blogging break in a day or two, but I hope to visit all your blogs before then. I will be back at the end of July.  Thank you to everyone who visits me here, if not for you there would be no March of Time Books.


Me off on my blogging break with Terry in hot pursuit!
Hans Andersen Fairy Tales Illustrated by W Heath Robinson

I leave you with this tiny posy from my garden. I wish I could share the wonderful aromas of Lilly of the Valley, Thyme, Daisy, Saxifraga, Veronica and Forget-me-not.  I know some of you don’t like to see cut flowers, but I promise it did no harm to the plants, and they will come back bigger and better next year.


Much love, see you soon. 

61 comments:

  1. I love all the vintage illustrations! I really love things from the early 1900's, so this post is such a treat! Thank you so much for sharing and I hope you have a great summer break! :)

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    1. What a lovely thing to say, thank you Linda!

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  2. Magical! Just magical, imagine seeing the world as a Swallow sees it...........
    Barbara, another superb post that somehow stirs ones imagination even beyond those dreams created by Hans Anderson. Thank you! How come you never teamed up with H. Potter Esq?
    As for you and Terry.......Terry in shorts..?? and your hair.....No! But I hope when you get wherever you are going you have lots of fun.
    That flower arrangement.......well.........exquisite I would say. ( not that I have seen a quisite, ex or otherwise. ) Seriously beautiful though, smartie!
    John

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    1. I can’t say I’ve seen a quisite either, but I thank you kindly!
      H. Potter now that would be something – if only.
      Never mind my hair and Terry’s shorts what are those things growing out of my middle? It looks like something out of Alien.
      Thank you for your kind words dear cousin John, I appreciate them.

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  3. I just assumed you had slipped your braces off.......er!...not sure girls wear braces though?.....Ah! They are the 'in thing' the latest fashion for persons 'doing a runner'! Good for you for being up to date.
    Cheers cousin,
    John

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    1. Well, I’m glad you cleared that up! I can stop worrying about bits of me dropping off now. :-)

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  4. What a treasure! I love Hans Christian Andersen as well. Also, I pinned your lovely bouquet. Have a fabulous time on your break-I hope you spend the time doing and being everything your heart desires. I look forward to your return!

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    1. Thank you for pinning my little posy Colleen, that was very nice of you. Thank you also for your good wishes. I will look forward to catching up with you in July. Take care, Barbara.

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  5. Fabulous images. Have a great blogging break.

    Jean

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    1. Thank you Jean, see you when I get back.

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  6. A fabulous vintage novel and I love your posy. Have a lovely break and we will see you back here soon.

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    1. Thanks so much Darlene, see you in a while.

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  7. Ah! Now! I know l've said it before....
    "I don't read books"..HeHe! l'd be patient,
    if l had the time...! :).
    So the only books l will lean towards are
    fairy stories, ladybird books etc..Nice and
    short! With..Pictures!
    The colour plates/pictures up above there are
    absolutely amazing...I can't draw...Well, only
    money from the bank, but, those old pictures look
    great! Can't really pick out a favourite...!
    And, great titles to...Favourite there has to be
    'The Ugly Duckling'..HeHe! Love it...! :). Quack!
    Quack!

    Hope you and Terry have a lovey break Barbara.....
    Don't get up to anything l would! We'll hear ALL about
    it, end of July, when your out on parole....! Bless!x

    Oh! Yes! just one thing...Gravy boats are for putting
    graving in...HeHe! "Nuff Said". =(^..^)=

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    1. I hoped this would be the perfect post for you Willie. Few words and lots of pictures and you know what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words.

      I can’t draw either, wish I could though and as for drawing money out of the bank; I avoid it whenever I can. I'm trying to build up a nest egg for my old age but think I might have left it a bit late. :-)

      I’m already looking forward to telling you ALL about our break, and I know you can hardly wait. Hehe

      Keep well. xx

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  8. Barbara, good morning!!!!!

    Happy summer to you dear friend! What better way to dream than to pick up a book and fall into it during summer, but not just any book.. THESE are the dreams I have and are piqued when I see something in nature in my real world. I see these images of innocence, of wonder, of play. Excellent and preserved are these pages! Oh, thank you for always taking us all down the corridors of the library of imagination. HUGS TO YOU!

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    1. Well hello there Anita!! Rather a rainy summer at the moment but the gardens are enjoying it, so we won’t complain. As for the images aren’t they just the best. The library of imagination sounds like the tile of a book – maybe you will write it one day. Have a wonderful week xx

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  9. So lovely. What a true treasure. Enjoy your break.

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  10. The illustrations are so beautiful!! Have a wonderful blogging break!!

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    1. Thank you Teressa, see you in a few weeks.

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  11. Beautiful illustrations, took me right back to infant school, Ibstone when our first reading books had gorgeous pictures like these. Love your little teapot arrangement xx

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    1. Hi Sue, I remember the ‘early readers’ with the beautiful illustrations. I’ve seen lots of modern readers, but I don’t think any of them are as pretty as those we learnt to read with. I found that little yellow jug thing at a flea market; it’s the perfect size for tiny arrangements. xx

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  12. They are so beautiful, and of course I love H.C.Andersen ,being a Danish woman :-) We have heard his tales from little kids, but I never saw such amazing illustrations, before Barbara. Thank you. xo

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    1. Hello Dorthe, sharing these beautiful images was a real pleasure, thank you for taking the time to look at them. Barbara x

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  13. Hi Barbara,

    Thank you for another journey of wonder and magic. Just the illustrations, with their crafted beauty, instantly transport me back to the innocence of my childhood.

    Hans Andersen's Fairy Tales, some of my favourite reading. I'm imagining the sweet scents from your finely displayed collection of flowers.

    Thank you, Barbara.

    Gary :)

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    1. I know exactly what you mean Gary. I’m sure my love of children’s books is because they have the ability to return me to my childhood. The world felt like a much kinder place then.

      Thank you for coming over, I always look forward to hearing from you. Barbara.

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  14. So many beautiful plates! I love Hans Andersen's fairy tales, thank you so much for sharing these, and enjoy your blog break ♥ xx

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    1. Thanks Yvonne. I’ve got a lot to catch up on too and must really get on with it when I return from my blogging break. Thanks for coming over, Barbara xx

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  15. What great books, and photos!

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  16. Beautiful post, Barbara! Your book is wonderful ( I love old fairy tale books, especially those by HCA) and these illustrations are absolutely gorgeous. Your posy is lovely, too. I hope you're having a peaceful, fun break.

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    1. Thanks Marcia, I’m taking life easy for a few days but have some fun things planned too. I will tell you all about it when I get back. xx

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  17. I hope you have a wonderful blogging break and I look forward to hearing about it when you're back :)

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  18. How wonderful, I love these illustrations. A big fan of fairy tales, Hans Anderson's included, I have not long since finished the complete and original tales by the Brothers Grimm.

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    1. Hi Tracy, I’ve not read any of the stories for a long time, maybe I should.

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  19. Hi Barbara - I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to post before now but I hope you're having a lovely break. These beautiful photos are therapeutic. At a time when there is so much sad news in the world let's hope they will warm many hearts.

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    1. Hello Marilyn, it’s lovely to ‘see’ you whenever you have the time to call in. I am at home so I’m responding to comments and visiting all my favourite blogs. We will be having some time away but not just yet.
      I do hope you are right about the images. It is such a very sad time at the moment.

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  20. What a beautiful book! I loved seeing the different pictures. I am so glad you found the book at a charity shop and had it repaired. We are lucky to get a glimpse inside through this post. :)

    I hope you have a fun blogging break. A great time of year for a break. Those flowers are gorgeous!

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    1. Hi Stephanie, it really is a beautiful book, and I’m very glad I found it. It had already been removed from the shelves in the charity shop and was languishing in a box on the floor. Another couple of days and it would have been pulped.
      I’m looking forward to being very lazy for a while.

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  21. What beautiful illustrations Barbara. My nanny used to have books like that in a drawer and I used to pore through them. I love these as much now as I used to do then.

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    1. Hi Anne Marie, I envy you those early book memories. My Grandma Daisy used to give me all her old magazines, and my Godmother sent books at Christmas and on my Birthday. They were lovely books, but none were quite this well illustrated, although some did come close.

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  22. Awesome illustrations. And I loved these fairy tales.

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    1. I’m pleased you enjoyed them Kelly, thanks for commenting.

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  23. What a wonderful treasure of a book. Really happy you restored it. The illustrations are beautiful. Thanks for sharing them with us. Have a lovely relaxing time .

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  24. Sounds you recovered a wonderful book. So wonderful, I love these illustrations.

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    1. Yes, I'm very lucky to have it. Thanks for your visit.

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  25. What a treasure! Thanks for sharing these lovely illustrations. Sorry for my absence... seems that Google will not let me keep your blog in my reading list. I've added it multiple times and the only way I can find you is by a search or going through G+. It's very annoying... just know that I will always try and get here eventually! Ha! Have a lovely summer my friend! Diane

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    1. Hello Diane, I’m so sorry you are still having trouble with my blog posts. I’ve added a ‘follow by email’ box to the top right-hand side of the blog, hope that helps.
      I’m so glad you found your way here again; it is always lovely to see you. The sun is shining today, and as I’m on a blogging break, I’m about to go outside with a cup of tea and a good book. I hope your summer is going well xx

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  26. A huge influence on me in so many ways. Thank you Hans. I have an old copy and used to have other copies with the same pictures. These are the best stories, ever!

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    1. I agree with you Eve, where would we be without all these wonderful stories?

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  27. Hey Barbara, thanks for visiting my blog even though you're on a break. I'm so glad you are here, too. :)

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    1. Hello Claudine, it's not so easy to visit everyone at the moment, but I'm trying to keep up. xx

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  28. Dear friend,

    Summer has called me outdoors and I was out all day yesterday, enjoying the refreshing breeze and blue hues of many lakes.

    But I come here now, still refreshed by the classic beauty of Hans Andersen, whose stories coupled with these lovely images will always remain TRUE enchantments of any age. Much love to you and I wish you a marvelous break! Thank you for coming to my Instagram and I do have a new post up if you feel inclined to wander over.

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    1. Hello Anita, I know exactly what you mean about the summer. I’m spending as much time as I can in the garden (between rain showers!)
      Your new post is beautiful, as they all are. I did leave a comment, so I hope you got it OK. Enjoy the garden. xx

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  29. LOVE the illustrations! I'm sure there are children's books published today with lovely pictures, but there's something about that era and the graceful taste of Art Nouveau that I simply adore.

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  30. Me too Bish! Thanks for calling, Barbara

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  31. Barbara dear, good morning!!!!!!! I just saw your comment on my blog and I want to thank you for taking the time from your break to visit! I hope you are outside taking in summer, I hope you are venturing out on a challenge, I hope you are tasting every new sensation that the GOOD part of the world can offer.

    Many hugs to you. We are obsessed with watching the Great British Bake-off reruns, and last night we watched the very first one where they baked cakes in The Cotswolds. OMG. I told my husband he MUST take me there! Now off to make a white bunting to hang in my garden for a little party we are having next week, à l'anglaise! XOXOOX

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    1. Hello Anita, we’ve just enjoyed a very lazy day – there is nothing like taking life easy, and we could easily get used to it! We are lucky living where we do as the countryside around us is beautiful, but it rained today so we haven’t ventured far. Books, music and the Internet are the places we visit when wet, and jolly nice they are too. ;-)

      We love the Great British bake off, but it's not on at the moment so we have to make do with Celebrity Master Chef! We’ve visited the Cotswolds lots of times it’s only about a hundred miles from here. It would be lovely to meet you there one day. Enjoy your party, lots of love xxxxx

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  32. Oh my Goodness, I do feel so remiss for not having been in touch for quite some time,but my own health as well as that of my oldest beloved dog could have been a great deal better during this hottest Autumn and Winter on record here in Nth Queensland. However,both my darling Georgie who underwent surgery,and myself are now feeling quite a deal better at last and back on track..... I,like you,dearest Barbara, also have a copy of this stunning old treasure illustrated by the inimitable W.Heath Robinson,and it is much loved,as well as cherished!
    I adore W.H.R's earlier works more than the later ones he became so well known for later on,and am fortunate enough to also have Bill The Minder,as well as The Adventures of Uncle Lubin,and the quite rare Book of Goblins,which all contain the most incredible colour plates. He along with his brother Charles were responsible for some of the most memorably fabulous illustrations from that Golden Age. I have such an extensive collection of books featuring works by this pair of brilliant artists,that I almost feel guilty for the marvellous good fortune which I have had with my collecting.It appears that we have both taken a break,though yours has not been as long as mine!! I really loved seeing these images without taking my own heavy volume down from my shelf.It has inspired me immensely Barbara,to now have a look with FRESH EYES at the other books I just mentioned. W.Heath Robinson also wrote and illustrated many gorgeous stories for the famous earlier Playbox Annuals. They were in monotone,but really caught the imagination,and 13 of these have been re-published in a delightful Soft Cover book by Hamlyn Publishing group in 1979.It is really quite a treat to see the subtle differences between the original old Playbox pages,and the new re-print!I always find it of major interest to compare early editions with so-called facsimiles! The Folio editions,to me anyway,seem among the best I have seen so far,but nothing really compares to the look, the feel and even the SMELL,of my gorgeous old treasures!!!
    Also in common with what you have been enjoying,Barbara,is the stunning array of all species of floral specimens which I have been experiencing for the past few months,but particularly the last couple of weeks! Life is so totally filled with things which continually bring pleasure to all the senses.How much luckier can any person be?
    I promise to send a new post for you,if you would enjoy for me to do this.So many new and exciting things have been coming my way,and I would very much like to share these with you,and also your readers. It has simply been far too long......
    Keep well and ALWAYS find plenty of situations to bring smiles to your face. After your trip to Poland,which has been so profound in its effect on you,it is important to once again enjoy all the pleasures and treasures which WW2 ensured we would again be able to gain real benefits from. My love as ever,to you and Terry,and many warm smiles as always, Jules in Oz xxooxx

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    1. Dear Julie, I’m so sorry both you and Georgie have been unwell but relieved to hear you are both doing well now.
      I used to have a copy of both Bill the Minder and The adventures of Uncle Lubin but that was in my selling days (two more books I regret parting with!!) I don’t think I’ve seen a copy of the Book of Goblins or at least if I have I’ve forgotten. I enjoy the illustrations of the brothers Robinson and will be looking out for more of their work.
      Interesting to look at the difference between the original annuals and the newer reprints – I must admit to not having done that, another avenue for me to explore.
      You are welcome to send a new post whenever you like Julie, I always enjoy them and if the comments are anything to go by so do readers of the blog. There is no pressure at all, just whenever you feel like it, and if you don’t feel like it, then that is fine too.
      I’ve been feeling a little down hearted since coming back from Poland, but you are absolutely right. I can’t do anything to change the past, so I must enjoy all the benefits. I’m so privileged to have. Lovely to hear from you Julie, take care, hugs for you and the fur babies. xxx

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I really appreciate your comment. Thank you!
Barbara xx