The Joyce Mercer Edition Of Andersen & Grimm
Published by Hutchinson & Co Publishers Ltd: London c1935 (undated)
"This richly illustrated edition brings together a comprehensive selection of fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen and the Brothers Grimm, presented in a beautifully produced volume issued by Hutchinson in the mid-1930s. Known for her distinctive Art Deco-influenced style, Joyce Mercer provides sixteen vibrant, full-colour plates along with more than 250 black-and-white drawings, making this one of the most visually appealing illustrated fairy-tale compilations of the interwar period. The large format and sturdy cloth binding suggest a book designed both for family reading and as a keepsake volume cherished across generations.
Mercer's illustrations reinterpret classic tales such as The Wild Swans, The Flying Trunk, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, and many others with a lively modernism that blends fantasy, whimsy, and 1930s theatrical flair. Her compositions often burst with colour, stylised forms, and clever visual storytelling, complementing the timeless narratives with a fresh visual energy. The inclusion of extensive line drawings throughout the text helps sustain the magical atmosphere from page to page, turning the entire volume into an immersive artistic experience rather than merely a collection of stories.
As a complete and well-preserved example of this desirable illustrated edition, the book stands as an excellent representation of early 20th-century children's book design and the golden age of colour-plate illustration. Its combination of lavish artwork, high production values, and enduring literary content gives it broad appeal. This edition will attract collectors of illustrated fairy tales, admirers of Joyce Mercer's distinctive artistic style, and readers seeking a decorative and engaging vintage anthology of Andersen's and Grimm's most beloved stories."
Light wear and fading to covers and spine as shown. Small inscription to front inside cover. All 16 colour plates are present. Pages with sporadic age marking but otherwise clean and well presented. Solid binding with no loose pages. An excellent copy in very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
