The Rhinegold & The Valkyrie with Illustrations by Arthur Rackham [Signed Limited Edition]

London - New York: William Heinemann Ltd. - Doubleday, Page & Co., 1910. From signed limitation page: "This Edition is limited to eleven hundred and fifty copies, numbered and signed by the artist, of which one hundred and fifty are reserved for the United States of America. No. '716,' 'Arthure Rackham.'" Very attractive. 1910 at title page; no other dates. Cream full vellum (leather) boards, gilt cover titles and design, light shelf wear, edge wear, rub. Crisp gilt cover design features Brunnhilde riding to battle on her horse; above this, titles and richly stylized dragon eating its tail or variety of ourobouros. Spine with crisp titles and vignette of the classic circular dragon tail eater. Pages generally fine; moderate fox inside covers. Antiquarian bookplate featuring crest inside cover: "Mountstuart Elphinstone." Impressive volume richly illustrated with thirty-four mounted colour plates by Arthur Rackham with captioned tissue guards. Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Impressively, this volume retains the original gold satin ribbons to tie volume's cover closed or utilize as page markers. Near fine signed rarity of fine book craftsmanship. These works are based loosely on characters from the Norse sagas, and are translated here into English by Margaret Armour. The parts 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, Richard Wagner revolutionized opera through his concept of the Gesamtkunstwerk (‘total work of art’), by which he sought to synthesize 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.. Signed by Artist. First Edition. Full-Leather. Fine. Illus. by Rackham, Arthur. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall.