Synopses & Reviews
Folk tales and exquisite illustration: Rediscovering Kay Nielsen’s most ambitious publication Step into a world of star-crossed lovers, magical winds, mischievous trolls and some of the most exquisite illustration in the history of books. In this gorgeous reprint, TASCHEN revives the most ambitious publication project of beloved Danish artist Kay Nielsen, one of the most famous children’s book illustrators of all time.
First published in 1914, East of the Sun and West of the Moon is considered a jewel in Art Nouveau design, celebrated by both art and book collectors for Nielsen’s exquisite watercolor scenes of star-crossed lovers, warriors, magic in thisclassic Norwegian folk tale. A signed copy of the original East of the Sun, West of the Moon that sold at auction in 2008 commanded the highest price ever paid for an illustrated children’s book.
This finely-crafted centenary reproduction has been produced from a deluxe first edition of Nielsen’s book, the largest surviving series of Nielsen’s work, as well as from thirteen of his extremely rare watercolor originals. Bringing together a total of 51 illustrations, including 25 in color, it will be printed in five colors, including gold to replicate the original’s delicate gold-leaf paint and lettering. This reprint features all of the original illustrations and complete story of East of the Sun and West of the Moon, and presents the material in fresh, new design with many full-page illustrations and double-page spreads to accentuate the stunning detail and artistry of the original images. The book also features two special original essays, illustrated with dozens of rare and previously unseen artworkby Nielsen, including an overview of the making of this masterpiece and a biography of Kay Nielsen’s life and work.
This reprint is a revival of a world heritage classic presented in a new format, as well as an unparalleled opportunity to get to see Nielsen's artwork in one place.
Synopsis
Fairy tale finesse: RevivingEast of the Sun and West of the Moon,
Kay Nielsen's most ambitious illustration project Step into a world of star-crossed lovers, magical winds, mischievous giants, and trolls, through some of themost exquisite illustrations in publishing history.In this gorgeous reprint, TASCHEN revives the most ambitious publication project of beloved Danish artist Kay Nielsen, one of the most famous children s book illustrators of all time.
First published in 1914, East of the Sun and West of the Moonis a celebrated collection offifteen fairy tales, gathered by legendary Norwegian folklorists Peter Christen Asbjornsen and Jorgen Engebretsen Moeon their journeys across Norway in the mid-nineteenth century. Nielsen s illustration edition of Asbjornsen and Moe s tales is considereda jewel of early 20th-century children's literature, highly sought-after by art and book collectors worldwide. An original signed copy of the book sold at auction in 2008 commanded the highest price ever paid for an illustrated children s book.
This finely crafted reprint restores the stunning detail and artistry of Nielsen s images to their original splendor.Featuring 46 illustrations, including many enlarged details from Nielsen s rare original watercolors, the book is printed in five colors with a lovingly designed slipcase. Three accompanying essays, illustrated with dozens of rare and previously unseen artworks by Nielsen, explore the history of Norwegian folktales, Nielsen s life and work, and how this masterpiece came to be. "
Synopsis
Step into a world of star-crossed lovers, magical winds, mischievous giants, and trolls, through some of the most exquisite illustrations in publishing history. In this gorgeous reprint, TASCHEN revives the most ambitious publication project of beloved Danish artist Kay Nielsen, one of the most famous children's book illustrators of all time.
First published in 1914, East of the Sun and West of the Moon is a celebrated collection of fifteen fairy tales, gathered by legendary Norwegian folklorists Peter Christen Asbj rnsen and J rgen Engebretsen Moe on their journeys across Norway in the mid-nineteenth century. Nielsen's illustration edition of Asbj rnsen and Moe's tales is considered a jewel of early 20th-century children's literature, highly sought-after by art and book collectors worldwide. An original signed copy of the book sold at auction in 2008 commanded the highest price ever paid for an illustrated children's book.
This finely crafted reprint restores the stunning detail and artistry of Nielsen's images to their original splendor. Featuring 46 illustrations, including many enlarged details from Nielsen's rare original watercolors, the book is printed in five colors. Three accompanying essays, illustrated with dozens of rare and previously unseen artworks by Nielsen, explore the history of Norwegian folktales, Nielsen's life and work, and how this masterpiece came to be.
About the Author
TASCHEN editor Noel Daniel graduated from Princeton University and studied in Berlin on a Fulbright Scholarship. She earned a master's degree in London and served as director of a photography art gallery before becoming a book editor. Her TASCHEN books to date include The Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen (2013), The Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm (2011), Magic 1400s-1950s (2009), and The Circus 1870s-1950s (2008).