Arthur Rackham

Arthur Rackham (1867-1939), English illustrator and watercolourist, one of the foremost illustrators of his time. He was born in London and studied at Lambeth Art School, where he specialized in illustrating tales of fantasy. His work appeared in such periodicals as Punch and, especially, in new editions of literary classics. He first won success with his illustrations for Fairy Tales (1812), by the Grimm brothers, in 1909. Other books followed, including Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens, by Sir James M. Barrie, in 1906; Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865), by Lewis Carroll, in 1907; A Christmas Carol (1843), by Charles Dickens, in 1915; The Compleat Angler (1653), by Izaak Walton, in 1931; and several works by Shakespeare. Rackham's style—delicate, charming, fanciful, and rich in detail—also is pervaded by an element of the slightly sinister. See also Illustration; Watercolour.