Andersen's Fairy Tales - J.J.A. Goeverneur - Sijthoff Leiden - Antique Illustrated Book

Antique illustrated edition of Andersen’s Fairy Tales, retold by the Dutch writer J. J. A. Goeverneur and published by A. W. Sijthoff in Leiden.

This book dates from the late 19th century and contains several atmospheric illustrations, including beautiful color plates printed in chromolithography. This technique, in which each color was printed separately using lithographic stones, was an expensive and labor-intensive printing method at the time and gave children's books their characteristic warm colors.

The illustrations were printed by P. W. M. Trap, a printer who specialized in color printing for illustrated editions.

The original publisher's binding with decorative ornaments and gold embossing reflects the typical design of late 19th-century children's books.

These types of editions were often read intensively and are therefore rarely found in perfect condition. Despite the signs of use, this copy still has a strong visual presence and forms a beautiful piece of book history.

Specifications

Title: Andersen’s Fairy Tales
Retold by: J. J. A. Goeverneur
Publisher: A. W. Sijthoff
Place: Leiden
Period: c. 1880
Illustrations: black-and-white engravings and color printing (chromolithography)
Illustration printing: P. W. M. Trap
Binding: cloth publisher's binding with gold embossing
Height: c. 21.5 cm
Thickness: c. 1.5 cm
Language: Dutch

Condition

Antique condition with clear signs of use.
The interior is partly detached from the binding and some gatherings have come loose. Paper slightly yellowed and binding shows wear consistent with its age.

Illustrations are still clearly visible and color plates retain their characteristic print quality.