The Dreamer of Dreams - Illustrated by Edmund Dulac

Book excerpt: ‘The Dreamer of Dreams’ was originally penned by ‘Marie, The Queen of Roumania’, and is presented here, alongside the splendid illustrations of Edmund Dulac. The book starts with the enigmatic phrase, ‘And I dream in my waking dreams, and deep in the dreams of sleep’ – and continues in this fantastical vein. The story tells of a beautiful young artist who dreams a pair of enchanting eyes – and gives up all his work in order to find them. The pervading pathos and melancholy of the story ensures its appeal for both adults and children, with a gentle beauty captured by Dulac’s images. This edition of ‘The Dreamer of Dreams’ contains a set of dazzling illustrations by a true master of the ‘Golden Age’; Edmund Dulac (1882 – 1953). A French artist himself, Dulac had a particular affinity with these old European tales, as well as possessing a rigorously painterly background. This combination ensured the book’s artistic success. Appearing alongside the text, his illustrations further enhance and elucidate the enchanting narrative. Pook Press celebrates the great ‘Golden Age of Illustration‘ in children’s literature – a period of unparalleled excellence in book illustration. We publish rare and vintage Golden Age illustrated books, in high-quality colour editions, so that the masterful artwork and story-telling can continue to delight both young and old.