GUSTAVE DORE — RARE, Original FAIRY TALES RETOLD BY PERRAULT Wood Engraving 1870

For sale: Hop o’ My Thumb (Der kleine daumerling), wood engraving by Gustave Dore, from the 1870 Marchen Nach Perrault Neu Erzahlt von Moriz Hartmann, Illustrit von Gustav Dore — or, Fairy Tales Retold by Perrault. 

We recently stumbled upon an amazing, and rare copy of the 145-year old Marchen Nach Perrault Neu Erzahlt von Moriz Hartmann, Illustrit von Gustav Dore — or, “Fairy Tales Retold by Perrault." The book was sadly ruined, but Dore’s exceptional engravings remained intact.  

Fairy Tales Retold by Perrault was published in 1870 in Stuttgart, by Eduard Hallberger — with illustrations by the iconic Gustave Dore. Dore’s 40+ wood engraved plates fill the book. The book itself has crimson cloth binding, with boards embossed and bevel-edged. 

The German text by Moritz Hartmann (1821-1872) of the famous fairy tales of Charles Perrault (1628-1703) includes: 

* Das Rothkappchen (Little Red Riding Hood)

* Der kleine daumerling (Hop o’ My Thumb)

* Das dornroschen (Sleeping Beauty)

* Aschenputtel (Cinderella)

* Der gestiefelte kater (Puss in Boots)

* Riquet mit dem schopf (Ricky of the Tuft)

* Die Eselshaut (Donkey Skin)

* Die fee (The Tale)

* Blaubart (Blue Beard) 

Dore’s (1832-1883) full-page illustrations are remarkable — perfect for framing. The engravings themselves are in excellent condition at 145 years, with normal aging. None were harmed, and in fact more of the page is included than not. Each page / engraving measures a LARGE 11" x 13.5"— oversized engravings due to the age and original book. Each print is signed in the plate by Gustave Dore, and is blank on the back. The front includes the German title of the accompanying fairy tale. 

At auction, these rare fairy tale engravings by Dore can reach hundreds of dollars apiece, perhaps more. They make a beautiful, unique and special addition for any collector. View Dore’s other fairytale engravings for sale at Black Cat Caboodle.