300 - WAGNER, Richard, and RACKHAM, Arthur. *The Ring of the Nibelung: *The Rhinegold and *The Valkyrie*.

WAGNER, Richard, and RACKHAM, Arthur. *The Ring of the Nibelung: *The Rhinegold and *The Valkyrie*. P., Hachette et Cie, n.d. [1910] In-8 (24 x 19 cm), publisher’s red full-cloth binding. 158 pp., 34 plates. Spine sun-faded, water stains on the covers. Tear with no loss on pp. 155–156, traces of tape on the endpapers. An edition illustrated by Arthur Rackham of the first part—comprising “The Rhinegold” and “The Valkyrie”—of Richard Wagner’s tetralogy “The Ring of the Nibelung.” The translation, in rhythmic prose, is by Alfred Ernst (Périgueux, 1860–Paris, 1898). 34 illustrations by Arthur Rackham, printed in color on coated paper, mounted on heavy brown vellum, protected by borders inscribed in bistre. Arthur Rackham was born on September 19, 1867, in London. He began by working as a journalist for sensationalist illustrated magazines before being offered contracts to illustrate books. He achieved his first successes with Washington Irving’s *Rip Van Winkle* (1904), followed by James Matthew Barrie’s *Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens* (1906). His career took a major turn with Lewis Carroll’s *Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland* in 1907, as the controversy surrounding this work propelled him to fame. From then on, Arthur Rackham was able to devote himself entirely to book illustration. His works were featured in numerous exhibitions, notably at the Louvre in 1914. A beautiful copy in very fresh condition inside, complete with all plates.