London: Constable & Co., [n.d. 1919]. First edition. Number 473 of 575 copies signed by the illustrator. Publisher's half vellum over boards, with gilt to spine and covers. A VG+ copy with splitting along front joint near crown and chipping to spine ends; shelfwear to board edges and dampstaining and mottling to boards. Textblock edges a bit toned and brittle, with interior remaining bright.

"Few of Mr Rackham's work have been more consistently impressed with charm and beauty than his illustrations in colour to Some British Ballads. In them he pictures a succession of fascinating heroines habited in quaint and picturesque costumes, amid surroundings which, though belonging to no definite place or period, are always appropriate and congruous. His heroes are hardly less charming than his heroines, and the scenes in which they are represented constitute a series of fascinating and delightful pictures ... one must feel grateful to Mr Rackham for giving us the prettiest picture book of the season" (The Connoisseur, Vol. LVI, 1920).

“Never did old poems appear so gayly bedecked than Some British Ballads, which Arthur Rackham has gorgeously illustrated with 16 paintings… It is hard to decide which the more attractive feature of this book—Mr. Rackham’s paintings or the ballads themselves” (New York Times).

"No more effective inspiration for the gifted brush of Arthur Rackham could be found than these popular old ballads. Handsomely printed and bound, this magnificent work should appeal to all" (The Atlantic Monthly, Dec. 1920). (Item #5224)