A journal by artist and designer John Coulthart.
One of the more obscure artists from the Golden Age of the illustrated book, finding this volume by René Bull (1872–1942) makes up for my earlier dismissal of his Arabian Nights where the illustrations tend towards the comical. This volume dates from 1913, and shows Bull to be a fine exponent of Edwardian Orientalism. Browse the rest of it here or download it here.
Two editions of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyam from a presentation of special bindings at the Princeton University Library. The peacock design contains real jewels. In addition to these displays of lavish blocking there are some remarkable examples of edge decoration, something one rarely sees today even on expensive limited editions. Thanks again to Thom for the tip!
Elsewhere on { feuilleton }
• The book covers archive
Previously on { feuilleton }
• Ronald Balfour’s Rubáiyát
If the work of illustrator Ronald Balfour (1896–1941) isn’t as well-known as it should be it’s probably because his 1920 edition of the Rubáiyát is his sole major work according to a recent feature in Book & Magazine Collector. These illustrations were produced when he was 24 and while the drawing can be uncertain in places, they’re really splendid examples of the post-Beardsley style, owing far more to Aubrey’s flourishes and details than to the usual Arabian exotica found in other Omar Khayyam adaptations. As usual I love the profusion of peacocks and winged figures, and, unlike many rare editions of this period, we’re fortunate that someone has put all the illustrations onto Flickr. Feast your eyes here.
Elsewhere on { feuilleton }
• The illustrators archive
{ feuilleton } brings you good cheer! Little explanation required this time. Vedder’s painting is an illustration of lines from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam.
The Cup of Death by Elihu Vedder (1885).
The Plague of Rome by Jules-Elie Delauney (1869).
The Angel of Death by Evelyn De Morgan.