NORSE LEGENDS & TROLLS

D'Aulaire, [Ingri & Edgar]

D'Aulaires' Book of Trolls [Signed]

New York: Doubleday and Company, 1972. First Edition, Thus. SIGNED INGRE & EDGAR D’AULAIRE BOOK OF TROLLS NORWEGIAN MYTHOLOGY LITHOGRAPHY FIRST THUS

This collection of Norwegian folklore represents a technical peak for the D'Aulaires, utilizing a complex combination of stone lithography and acetate overlays to achieve a hand-drawn vibrancy.

As finalists for the National Book Award, the couple drew upon Ingri’s heritage to create what remains the definitive mid-century visual interpretation of Scandinavian mythology. This copy is signed by both Ingri and Edgar D'Aulaire on the half-title.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Signatures: Signed by both Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire.
+++ Visuals: Features a rhythmic alternating layout of double-page color illustrations followed by double-page black-and-white spreads.
+++ Technical Production: Color plates were prepared with acetate overlays; black-and-white illustrations were drawn directly onto lithographic stones.
+++ Condition:  Tight, square bindings and clean text; minimal shelf handling and light even age-toning.
+++ Provenance: Includes a gift inscription on the front free endpaper.
+++ Specs: Large format, 12.25 inches tall; 62 pages.
+++ Lacking: Issued without slipcase (this edition).

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE --
The husband-and-wife team of Edgar Parin and Ingri d'Aulaire are pillars of the children's literature pantheon, perhaps best known for their Caldecott-winning 'Abraham Lincoln'. Their work is characterized by a deep commitment to traditional printmaking techniques that were already becoming obsolete by the 1970s.

'Book of Trolls' is a return to their roots, blending mythology, history, and fantasy. The 'New York Review of Books' noted that their use of stone lithography provided an 'uncanny hand-drawn vibrancy' that separated their work from the flat, offset-printing styles common in the era.

SUBJECTS: Norwegian Folklore, Mythology, Trolls, Children's Illustration, Lithography, Children's Literature.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE: National Book Award Finalist (1973).

Item #21628

Price: $125.00