Book Description

The Story of Bluebeard is taken from the Perrault original, and illustrated with pictures and ornaments by Joseph Southall. Perrault (1628 – 1703) was among the first writers to bring magical children’s stories into the literary mainstream, proving to his original seventeenth century readers that such works were important, enjoyable, as well as thought-provoking. The tale of ‘Bluebeard’ has stood the test of time; enchanting readers with its other-worldly combination of horror and fairy-tale-endings. The text is accompanied and surrounded by the wonderful black-and-white illustrations of Joseph Southall (1861 – 1944) who was heavily associated with the Arts and Crafts Movement; one of the last outposts of romanticism in the visual arts. Southall’s masterful creations serve to further refine and enhance Perrault’s magical storytelling – making this a book to be enjoyed and appreciated, by both young and old alike. Pook Press celebrates the great ‘Golden Age of Illustration‘ in children’s literature – a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration from the 1880s to the 1930s. Our collection showcases classic fairy tales, children’s stories, and the work of some of the most celebrated artists, illustrators and authors.