The Witch's Kitchen, or The India Rubber Doctor with Illustrations by Willy Pogany

London: George G. Harrap & Co. Ltd., 1910. No additional printings listed; circa 1910. Ultra rare first edition of this Pogany classic. Elaborate, profuse, symbolical and entertainingly illustrated edition. Dark green full cloth boards, stylish gilt cover and spine titles, some shelf wear, rub, missing some exterior spine material (titles remain), discoloration to back board. Cover features circular inlay plate of the witch in flight on broomstick w/satchel flailing in tow. Pages generally fair, some edge discoloration, ripple throughout. Frontispiece and half-title removed; b&w facsimile prints of frontispiece and half-title page tipped-in. Bind, hinges intact. Features seven deliciously, richly subdued plates in blending watercolor. Enchanting b&w full and partial-page designs throughout w/flourishing borders, accents. Several of the b&w illustrations have been neatly colourized by an apparent youngster. Duo-chromatic endpapers in green and purple silhouettes of witchy on broomstick over the moon with ghouls and animal spirits in tow. Willy Pogany captures the surreal nature of this tale. Intact, well worn example of this rarity. In this mesmerising ditty penned by Gerald Young, two, Dulcie and Doris, are lured by Hookface the witch to care for her horribly, beastly offspring. But, aid is at hand in the ever-changing form of Doctor Springy, the incredible India Rubber man. Strange myth perfectly complimented with marvellous imagery. William Andrew ("Willy") Pogany, born Vilmos Andreas Pogány, was a prolific Hungarian illustrator. Pogany's best known works consist of illustrations of classic myths and legends done in the Art Nouveau style. The publication of Pogány's The Witch's Kitchen introduced one of his finest early works. Pogány clearly approached the commission to illustrate this punchy tale as an opportunity to improve and extend his techniques. His commitment to ongoing innovation resulted in an incredible suite of illustrations, including color lithographs, vignettes, headers and tailpieces. A rarity in well read and enjoyed condition. Printed by W. W. Curtis, Limited, Cheylesmore Press, Coventry. 226 pages. Insured post. . First Edition. Hardcover. Fair. Illus. by Pogany, Willy. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall. Book.