In 2014, Britannic Auctions sold an Arthur Rackham signed first edition of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream for $550. This 1895 edition, published by J.M. Dent & Co., features stunning illustrations by Robert Anning Bell, a respected English artist known for his intricate designs, including the mosaic in the tympanum at Westminster Cathedral.
What makes this book stand out is its connection to Arthur Rackham, one of Britain’s most celebrated illustrators from the ‘Golden Age’ of book illustration. Inside, on a Victorian-era pastedown, Rackham inscribed: "This Book Belongs To." Owning a signed copy of a book that may have influenced his later work adds to its significance for collectors.
Rackham’s Influence on A Midsummer Night’s Dream Illustrations
Rackham’s career was just beginning when this edition was published. In 1908, he would go on to illustrate his own version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, one of his most iconic works. Could this 1895 edition have influenced the illustrations he made later in his career? While we can’t say for certain, it’s an intriguing possibility that adds to this book’s historical appeal.
The Collectibility of Arthur Rackham Signed Books
Books bearing Arthur Rackham’s signature are sought after by collectors of antique illustrated books. His whimsical yet detailed style brought classics like Gulliver’s Travels, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and Aesop’s Fables to life.
Signed Books by Rackham: What Sells Best at Auction
Books that Arthur Rackham illustrated and signed tend to bring the highest prices at auction. Collectors are most interested in his signed illustrated editions, which feature his well-known artwork. The A Midsummer Night’s Dream book sold by Britannic Auctions, while signed by Rackham, was from his personal library rather than an edition he illustrated. This makes it a unique collector’s item but not as highly valued as his signed illustrated works.
Auction Results:
- Grimm's Fairy Tales Illustrated by Arthur Rackham – Signed Deluxe Edition, 1909. Limited to 750 copies, this was #203 signed by Rackham. Sold for $7,600 in 2014.
- Cedric Chivers (Binder) - Tales from Shakespeare, 1909 – Limited to 750 copies, signed by Rackham, with an art nouveau-style binding featuring leather inlays and tooling. Sold for $5,120 in 2024.
- Arthur Rackham Signed Limited Edition - The Vicar of Wakefield, 1929 – One of 575 copies for England, signed by Rackham. Sold for $491 in 2013.
Why Collectors Love Rackham’s Work
Collectors value Arthur Rackham illustrations for their dreamlike quality and rich detail. His works remain highly desirable, with signed editions commanding strong prices at auction. This signed Midsummer Night’s Dream is a prime example of how his legacy continues to captivate bibliophiles and art lovers alike.
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