ANDERSEN, J.Ch.
FAIRY TALES
With illustrations by M. Walentynowicz
Warsaw 1938, Published by J. Przeworski Bookstore, 368 [2] pages, 18.5x26 cm
A classic interwar edition of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales in Polish translation, published by J. Przeworski’s publishing house in Warsaw. One of the most representative illustrated editions of the Second Polish Republic, in which Andersen’s text is paired with the distinctive, now-iconic illustrations of Marian Walentynowicz.
Marian Walentynowicz (1896–1967)—Polish architect, graphic artist, illustrator, pioneer of Polish comics, and one of the most important book illustrators of the 20th century. A graduate of the Warsaw University of Technology, he was involved in journalism and commercial art from the 1920s onward. He was a co-creator of the cult series “Koziołek Matołek” (with Kornel Makuszyński), as well as numerous children’s books, including “Fiki-Miki.”
During World War II, he served as a war correspondent with General Stanisław Maczek’s 1st Armored Division, documenting the campaign and life on the front lines through drawings and reportage. After the war, he continued his intensive work as an illustrator, developing a distinctive, synthetic style that combined humor, narrative, and comic-book dynamics.
He is regarded as one of the pioneers of Polish comics and an author who shaped the visual language of children’s literature in Poland.
HARDCOVER BONDED WITH CONTEMPORARY FULL-LEATHER, STYLISTICALLY INSPIRED BY THE OPULENT, LUXURIOUS BINDINGS OF THAT ERA. COVERS FRAMED BY A GILDED BORDER, SPINE WITH RAISED SEAMS, EMBOSSINGS, AND RICH GILDING, COLORFUL TITLE LABEL. THE MARGINS HAND-PAINTED BY THE ARTIST. HAND-DYED MARBLED PAPER ON THE END PAPERS, ALL PAGE EDGES DYED IN THE SAME MANNER. THE INSIDES OF THE COVERS ARE FINISHED WITH AN INTRICATE GOLD-EMBOSSED PATTERN
Condition: Very Good-/Nice piece
