London: Heinemann, [N.D.]. First edition. Number 196 of 550 copies signed by the illustrator. Publisher's quarter vellum over boards with gilt to spine and front cover. Blue pictorial endpapers. Significant foxing and toning externally, with shelfwear to boards and spine ends bumped. Light scattered foxing throughout. A square copy housed in a custom cloth clamshell with title to spine.

Rendering John Milton's seventeenth century court masque into a vivid, illustrated narrative, Rackham captures the sense of darkness and danger that surrounds the virtuous Lady and her brothers as they stumble into Comus' decadent den. It is not until the end that light and beauty reappear, thanks to the Lady's resistance to Comus' seduction; and moral purity prevails over luxurious depravity. (Item #5226)

Price: $500