Tannhauser: A Dramatic Poem By Richard Wagner

New York: Brentano's, 1911. First Brentano's edition; no date, circa 1911. Printed by H & J Pillans & Wilson, Edinburgh. Oversize 7 1/2" x 10" design. Freely Translated in Poetic Narrative Form by T. W. Rolleston. Deep black buckram (cloth) boards w/elaborate gilt ornamentation and design, moderate shelf wear. Bright gilt embossed cover and spine design. Thick deckled pages very good, sharp; no writing. Fine string-bind; hinges intact. Extremely rare, original beige dust wrapper w/stylized front and back cover designs, and spine titles, lt. edge wear, chip, discoloration; protected in new clear sleeve. Elaborate, profuse, symbolical and complexly illustrated edition by Willy Pogany. Contains twelve 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. A sharp example by the famed Brentano's, Publishers of New York. 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. Very Good/Very Good. Illus. by Pogany, Willy. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Book.