Myths & Legends
World Mythology Series: An Illustrated Bibliography
The World Mythology Series was first released in the 1980s and is known for the beautiful lush full colour paintings that accompany the tales.
Annual Reviews & Gift Guides
Best of Lists
Every year I publish a list of some of the most beautiful books released during the year – ranging from beautiful editions of classic novels, to delightful picture books, to fiction and fantasy with special bindings and stunning illustrations, to incredible non-fiction that you would be thrilled to have on your shelves. Come, browse and be inspired!
Decorative Bindings
Gresham Myths & Legends in Literature and Art
The Gresham Myths, or Gresham’s ‘Myth and Legend in Literature and Art’ series is a beautiful collection of 12 vintage books with stunning Art Nouveau decorative bindings, produced between 1912-1931.
Myths & Legends
The Eerie Viking Art of Johan Egerkrans
Updated 2022. Johan Egerkrans is the Swedish illustrator of an amazing set of books on Norse Gods, Swedish fair folk, undead creatures and dragons. He combines a dark hard-edged imagination with the whimsy of Johan Bauer and Arthur Rackham.
Fantasy & SciFi
Angus McBride’s Legendary Beasts
The ‘Legendary Beasts’ series by fantasy artist Angus McBride appeared weekly on the back of Finding Out magazines for 36 weeks during 1966.
Vintage Modern Art
Grahame Johnstone Twins: Finding Out Magazine Bibliography
A list of Finding Out Magazine volumes that included illustrations by the Grahame Johnstone twins, as well as a selection of illustrations from stories within the volumes.
Fairy Tales & Folklore
Hamish Hamilton’s “A Book Of…” Myths, Legends and Magical Tales
Collecting » Myths, Legends, Folklore » Hamish Hamilton Myths Hamish Hamilton’s “A Book Of…” Myths, Legends & Magical Tales Introduction This wonderful series collecting older short stories, folklore, poetry and excerpts from longer literature was released by UK publisher Hamish Hamilton throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. The selection of Read more…
Paper Engineering
Zahhak: The Legend of the Serpent King – Stunning Pop-up Book
A gorgeous pop-up book, based on a beautifully illustrated edition of the Shahnameh, with feathers and strings and other delights. Includes video review.
Beautiful Illustrations
Children’s Literature & Fairy Tales
How to find the most beautiful editions of children’s books, including both vintage and contemporary designs, and beautiful illustrations.
Fairy Tales & Folklore
1970s World Folk & Fairy Tales Collection
I’ve added a new page on Muller’s vintage World Fairy Tale Collections, with lovely tales from countries all around the world.