The Ingoldsby Legends of Mirth and Marvels.

London: William Heinemann,, 1919. An attractively bound copy of the Ingoldsby Legends. Originally published in 1898, Rackham's illustrated edition was revised and redrawn in 1907 so that "greater prominence could be given to the illustrations by better and larger reproductions, including a greater number of illustrations in colour" (Prefatory Note). These popular tales, which were purportedly based on the author's discovery of old documents, were in fact mostly reworkings of known narrative sources such as Kentish myth and Sir Walter Scott. Thomas Ingoldsby was the pseudonym of Richard Harris Barham (1788-1845), whose "knowledge of such areas as heraldry and witchcraft also lends a degree of authenticity to the Legends" (ODNB). Initially appearing in the serial Bentley's Miscellany in 1837, the tales were first published in book form in 1840 and inspired numerous illustrators. Quarto (238 x 182 mm). Early 20th-century full red morocco by Bayntun (Riviere), Bath, spine with gilt-ruled raised bands, compartments framed in gilt, covers, turn-ins and board edges gilt ruled, edges gilt, marbled endpapers. Colour frontispiece, 23 colour plates mounted on green paper with captioned tissue guards, 12 full-page tinted illustrations, 66 black and white drawings in text, by Rackham. Binding bright, square and firm, spine lightly sunned, foxing to outer leaves, otherwise internally clean and fresh. A very attractive copy. For the 1907 ed. see: Latimore & Haskell, pp. 30-31; Riall, p. 83.