Little Brother & Little Sister and Other Stories

6C Brothers Grimm. Arthur Rackham Illustrations. London: Constable & Co., 1917. First Edition of Arthur Rackham Illustrated Edition.

Notes

"Little Brother & Little Sister and Other Stories" is a collection of fairy tales and stories written by the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. The book features a variety of enchanting and timeless tales that have been cherished by generations. Among these stories is the titular "Little Brother & Little Sister," a poignant narrative of sibling love and transformation. The collection is known for its captivating storytelling, moral lessons, and the enduring magic of classic folklore, making it a delightful read for both children and adults alike.

The Brothers Grimm, Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm (1786–1859), were German scholars and folklorists best known for collecting and publishing traditional folk tales in the early 19th century. Their first volume, Children’s and Household Tales (1812), compiled stories passed down orally across German-speaking regions, including now-classic tales like Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White. The original tales were often darker, more violent, and morally complex than the sanitized versions familiar today, reflecting the culture, superstitions, and social norms of rural Germany at the time. Over successive editions, the Grimms softened language, adjusted content for children, and added literary polish, transforming raw folk narratives into enduring works of world literature.

Arthur Rackham (1867–1939) was a celebrated British illustrator whose distinctive style helped define early 20th-century book illustration. Known for his pen-and-ink drawings combined with subtle watercolor washes, Rackham brought a hauntingly whimsical quality to fairy tales, myths, and classic literature. He illustrated works by authors such as the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen, and Shakespeare, often emphasizing gnarled trees, expressive figures, and shadowy atmospheres that balanced enchantment with a touch of darkness. Rackham’s illustrations became iconic, influencing generations of artists and helping to elevate book illustration into a recognized art form in its own right.

Description 

Green cloth hardcover with gold embossing and original dustcover. Illustrated throughout with some images tipped in and others on page. Wear along edges of dust wrapper with chipping to the points, head and foot of spine. Book in fine condition, wrapper in fair condition.