The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie with Illustrations by Arthur Rackham [1910 First Edition]

London - New York: William Heinemann Ltd. - Doubleday, Page & Co., 1910. First printing of this impressive volume richly illustrated with thirty-four mounted colour plates by Arthur Rackham with captioned tissue guards. 1910 at title page; no other dates. Fine brown full-cloth boards, sharp gilt cover and spine design, titles, light shelf wear, toning to spine, light discoloration to front lower edge. Crisp cover design features titles with Brunnhilde riding to battle on her horse; above this, titles and richly stylized dragon eating its tail. Spine features titles with classic ouroboros vignette. Heinemann in gilt at heel of spine. Pages very good, clean; light fox at first and last several leaves. Few with small areas of tanning, toning; small pinhole at back few. Antiquarian inscription at front endpaper: "To my darling best-beloved Edward, from his loving little wife with dearest love & all best wishes for many happy returns of his birthday. Oct. 2nd, 1911." Illustrated spread inside front and back covers with Rhine-maidens or floating fairies. Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Original dark brown, matte pictorial wrapper, light edge wear, rub; moderate offset to printing. Cover and spine repeat cover motif with Brunnhilde on horse. Titles at spine, and also: "Cash Price in Great Britain and Ireland 15/-net." Sharp very good first edition thus in same original wrapper. Includes scarce ephemeral leaflet set in; remains crisp and clean. A notice of: "Arthur Rackham Exhibition. An Exhibition of Original Water Colour Drawings for 'The Ring of the Niblungs: and other subjects by Mr. Arthur Rackham, R. W. S., will be held by Msssrs. Ernest Brown and Phillips, at The Leicester Galleries, Leicester Square, London, from October 15th to November 12th, 1910." These works are based loosely on characters from the Norse sagas, and are translated here into English by Margaret Armour. The saga included in this volume are: ‘The Rhinegold,’ the prelude, and ‘The Valkyrie,’ the first day of the trilogy. Initially establishing his reputation as a romantic composer, Wagner revolutionized opera through his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk (‘total work of art’), by which he sought to synthesise the poetic, visual, musical and dramatic arts. This edition of ‘The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie’ is heightened by the dazzling color illustrations of a master of the craft, Arthur Rackham. One of the most celebrated painters of the British Golden Age of Illustration - 1850 until the start of the First World War, Rackham’s artistry is unparalleled. Throughout his career, he developed a unique style, combining haunting humour with dream-like romance. Presented alongside the text, these illustrations further refine and elucidate Wagner’s captivating storytelling. Printed by Ballantyne & Co. Limited, Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London. 161 pages of text with thirty-four tipped-in plates. Insured post.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good/Very Good. Illus. by Rackham, Arthur. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall.