Harry Clarke Illustration Appraisal

Tales of Mystery and Imagination by Edgar Allan Poe, Illustrated by Harry Clarke (Brentano's Publishers)

This item is an open book, revealing its title page and a full-page color illustration. The book is titled "TALES OF MYSTERY AND IMAGINATION" by Edgar Allan Poe, with illustrations by Harry Clarke. It was published by Brentano's Publishers in New York. The title page is printed on cream-colored, high-quality paper, exhibiting a clean and crisp appearance with clear black typography. To the left, a vibrant, full-page color illustration depicts a dramatic scene with two figures. One figure, possibly male, is dressed in blue attire and appears to be in motion, reaching out to or engaging with another, more ethereal-looking figure. The style is distinctly Gothich and Art Nouveau influenced, characteristic of Harry Clarke's work, known for its intricate detail and often macabre themes. The background is dark, emphasizing the figures, with elements of stylized nature or architecture. The overall condition of the visible pages seems excellent, with no apparent tears, foxing, or significant discoloration. The binding is not fully visible, but the pages lie relatively flat, suggesting good structural integrity. Given the style of illustration and the publisher, this edition likely dates from the early 20th century, possibly the 1910s or 1920s, which was a prolific period for Clarke's illustrated works. The quality of the paper and print indicates it was a premium edition.