Tannhauser: A Dramatic Poem By Richard Wagner and Illustrated by Willy Pogany

New York: George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd., 1911. First George Harrap edition; circa 1911. Oversize 8" x 11" folio design. Fine brown suede leather over thick semi-soft cover w/elaborately tooled ornamentation and design, some shelf wear, discoloration; wear to leather edge extending over stiffer cover. Cover impressed w/gilt titles and Pogany design within gilt border. Spine richly displays complete titles in gilt w/stylized symbols at top, bottom. Thick deckled pages near fine; no writing or marks. Freely Translated in Poetic Narrative Form by T. W. Rolleston. Elaborate, profuse, symbolical and complexly illustrated edition by Willy Pogany. Contains sixteen tipped-in colour lithograph plates and ten mounted charcoal plates. Also, nearly seventy glorious monochromatic designs throughout w/flourishing borders, accents, colors; some chiaroscuro among other varied methods. Although other artists have illustrated various editions, Willy Pogany captures the surreal and tragic enchantment of this tale. Fairly worn cover w/near fine interior of this rarity. Willy Pogany (1882-1955) was a prolific Hungarian book illustrator best known for his pen and ink drawings of myths and fables such as the German legend of Tannhauser. A large portion of Pogany's work can be termed Art Nouveau. Pogany's artistic style is heavily fairy-tale orientated and often features motifs of mythical animals such as nymphs and pixies. His dreamy colour illustrations are exemplified by the tipped-in plates in this volume but his pen and ink drawings also portray the extent of his talent. Wagner's Tannhauser is a cautionary tale originally in operatic form. Here, the poetical text is majestically illustrated with the ethereal imagery of Willy Pogany. The tragedy follows Tannhauser and his lust for his lover, Venus. After endless pleasure is gained, and soon becomes wearisome, Tannhauser departs. Having forsaken God through his indulgences, he seeks forgiveness, which is granted. Meanwhile, Venus, within the throes of a shattered heart, commits the ultimate act of desolation. Wilhelm Richard Wagner was a German composer, conductor, theatre director and essayist, primarily known for his operas. Unlike most great opera composers, Wagner wrote both the scenario and libretto for his works. A rare and beautifully crafted book. Apprx. 150 pages. Insured post.. First Edition. Hardcover. Good. Illus. by Pogany, Willy. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Book.