Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This book 'Queen Summer Or The Tourney Of The Lily And The Rose' was written and illustrated by Walter Crane and originally published in 1891. In the form of an epic poem about the allegorical figure Queen Summer its extensive colour illustrations are enchantingly neoclassical in style. The book is similar to some of Crane's masques which he wrote to be performed by the Arts and Crafts Guild and some of which are also published by Pook Press. Many of the earliest children's books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Pook Press are working to republish these classic works in affordable, high quality, colour editions, using the original text and artwork so these works can delight another generation of children. About the Illustrator: Walter Crane (1845-1915) was one of the earliest contributors to children's literature and one of the most influential illustrators in the development of children's colour picture books. Crane began working for Edmund Evans in 1864 producing bright, colourful books which revolutionised the type of children's books available. He created a series of 'Toy Books' between 1865-1875 which contained fairy stories, nursery rhymes and other tales of adventures. His Arts and Crafts illustrations came to typify children's books for decades to come.
Synopsis
'Queen Summer - Or the Tourney of the Lily and the Rose' was originally published in 1891. It is an epic poem about the allegorical figure of 'Queen Summer', decorated throughout in stunning neoclassical style. It is both written and illustrated by Walter Crane - a true master of the Golden Age of illustration. The text and the artwork are presented as one, with Crane's full-colour pages further enhancing the beautiful poetry. When Summer on the earth was queen She held her court in gardens green Fair hung with tapestry of leaves, Where threads of gold the sun enweaves. Crane (1845 - 1915), was an English artist and book illustrator. He is considered to be the most influential, and among the most prolific, children's book creator of his generation. Alongside such names as Randolph Caldecott and Kate Greenaway, he was also one of the strongest contributors to the child's nursery theme. Crane's work is characteristically colourful and beautifully detailed, taking its inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement (of which he was a member), as well as the iconic child-in-the-garden motif. His illustrated books are incredibly sought after today, as some of the finest examples of Golden Age art.