The Untold Magic of Mother Goose: Arthur Rackham's Illustrated Nursery Rhymes

For generations, Mother Goose has been enchanting children and adults alike with timeless nursery rhymes that transport us to a world of imagination and whimsy. Among the countless editions of these beloved rhymes, one stands out as a magical treasure trove of artistry and creativity – "Mother Goose: The Old Nursery Rhymes" illustrated by Arthur Rackham.

Arthur Rackham, a renowned English illustrator, brings to life the enchanting characters and scenes from Mother Goose's beloved rhymes in a way that captivates our hearts and sparks our imaginations. His intricate drawings and stunning color palettes add depth and beauty to these well-known verses, elevating them into true works of art.

Rackham's attention to detail and his ability to infuse each illustration with emotion allow us to rediscover the charm and timeless appeal of these nursery rhymes. From the mischievous twinkle in Jack and Jill's eyes to the gentle grace of Mary's little lamb, Rackham's illustrations breathe new life into these characters, making them instantly relatable and endearing.

Mother Goose - The Old Nursery Rhymes - Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

by Arthur Rackham (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	228 pages

FREE

One of the most celebrated illustrations in this collection is the depiction of the three blind mice. Rackham's masterful use of shadows creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, while his choice of rich hues gives the mice an air of playfulness and vivacity despite their disability. It is through Rackham's art that these mice become not just three blind creatures, but beings with unique personalities and stories to tell.

Another standout piece in Rackham's collection is the illustration accompanying the rhyme "Hey Diddle Diddle." The whimsical scene portrays a cat playing the fiddle, a cow jumping over the moon, and various other animals engaging in a merry moonlit dance. Rackham's use of perspective and imaginative flair transports the viewer into this fantastical world, where animals seem to possess human-like qualities and seamlessly coexist with one another.

However, Rackham's illustrations are not limited to the more lighthearted and jovial rhymes. He also tackles the darker and more somber tales, such as "The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe" and "Little Miss Muffet." Even in these tales, Rackham manages to find beauty amongst the hardships, uniting the melancholy with a delicate sense of wonder.

Each illustration in "Mother Goose: The Old Nursery Rhymes" is a testament to Rackham's artistic prowess and commitment to capturing the essence of these timeless tales. From the delicate strokes of his pen to the vibrant colors that spring forth from the page, Rackham invites us to immerse ourselves fully in the world of Mother Goose.

Published in 1913, Rackham's illustrations continue to inspire artists and readers over a century later. His unique style, characterized by a fusion of whimsy and emotion, imbues these nursery rhymes with a depth and complexity that continues to stand the test of time.

The enduring appeal of "Mother Goose: The Old Nursery Rhymes" lies not only in Rackham's illustrations but also in the power of these rhymes to capture our imaginations and transport us to a world where anything is possible. The melodic cadence of the verses and the timeless themes they explore – love, loss, mischief, and redemption – resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us of the magic that lies within the pages of a well-loved book.

So, whether you are revisiting these rhymes from your own childhood or introducing them to a new generation, "Mother Goose: The Old Nursery Rhymes" illustrated by Arthur Rackham is a treasure that deserves a place on every bookshelf. Lose yourself in its pages and let the enchantment of Arthur Rackham's artistry carry you away to a world where nursery rhymes come alive, and dreams take flight.

Mother Goose - The Old Nursery Rhymes - Illustrated by Arthur Rackham

by Arthur Rackham (Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	228 pages

FREE

‘Mother Goose – The Old Nursery Rhymes’ is a collection of fairy tales and nursery rhymes, penned by the legendary (and only some claim imaginary), ‘Mother Goose.’ They have inspired many folklorists and illustrators (including Charles Perrault, Arthur Rackham, Jessie Willcox-Smith and Jennie Harbour) – as well as countless generations of children and parents. In the foreword, Rackham states that he has ‘chosen those rhymes I knew and liked best in my own nursery days… altering and adding to our old friend Mother Goose’s original collection.’

The ‘Old Nursery Rhymes’ are accompanied by a series of dazzling colour illustrations by Arthur Rackham (1867-1939). One of the most celebrated painters of the British Golden Age of Illustration (which encompassed the years from 1850 until the start of the First World War), Rackham’s artistry is quite simply, unparalleled. Throughout his career, he developed a unique style, combining haunting humour with dream-like romance. Presented alongside the text, his illustrations further refine and elucidate the wonderful poetry of ‘Mother Goose Rhymes’.

Pook Press celebrates the great ‘Golden Age of llustration‘ 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.