Penrhyn W. Coussens 
A Child’s Book of Stories – Illustrated by Jessie Willcox Smith 

This Children’s book of stories is a compilation of some of the best fairy-tales in the world. They are selected and arranged by Penrhyn W. Coussens, editor of ‘Poems Children Love’ who also provides an insightful introduction. The stories include some of Charles Perrault’s finest tales; ‘Bluebeard’, ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Puss in Boots’, those of Hans Christian Anderson such as ‘The Fir Tree’, Mme. D’Aulnoy’s classic ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ together with the Grimm Brother’s ‘Hansel and Gretel’, ‘The Elves and the Shoemaker’ and ‘Rumplestiltskin.’ Much older stories, such as those from Aesop’s Fables are also encompassed.

All of these wonderful tales are accompanied by beautiful colour illustrations by Jessie Willcox Smith (1863-1935). She was a much celebrated American illustrator during the ‘Golden Age of Illustration’ and an incredibly prolific contributor to well respected books and magazines; a pioneering woman in the male-dominated world of fine-art. The fairy-tales are presented in their original translations, alongside Willcox Smith’s illustrations which further refine and elucidate Coussens’ thoughtfully edited collection.

Pook Press celebrates the great ‘Golden Age of Illustration‘ in children’s literature – a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration. We publish rare and vintage Golden Age illustrated books, in high-quality colour editions, so that the masterful artwork and story-telling can continue to delight both young and old.