Tannhauser: A Dramatic Poem By Richard Wagner

New York: Thomas Y. Crowell & Co., 1911. First edition thus; from colophon: "The Letterpress and Illustrations Lithographed by Vincent Brooks, Day and Sons Ltd., London, and the colour plates by Henry Stone and Son Ltd. Banbury. A.D. MCMXI". Oversize 8" x 11 1/4" design. Freely Translated in Poetic Narrative Form by T. W. Rolleston. Grey cloth boards w/elaborate ornamentation and design, some shelf, corner wear, rub. Spine titles rubbed. Thick deckled pages very good; vintage name at endp. Small color plate set in to multi-color frontispiece illustration. Detailed imagery in subdued blue, sienna and beige hues at front, back endps. Fine string-bind good; hinges intact. Elaborate, profuse, symbolical and complexly illustrated edition by Willy Pogany. Seventy glorious monochromatic designs throughout w/flourishing borders, accents, colors; some chiaroscuro among other varied methods. Contains fifteen tipped-in colour lithograph plates (one removed). Although other artists have illustrated various editions, Willy Pogany captures the surreal and tragic enchantment of this tale. A solid example of the Crowell edition, later reprinted by Brentano's. 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. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Apprx. 125 pages. Insured post.. First Edition. Hardcover. Fair. Illus. by Pogany, Willy. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Book.