Tannhauser: A Dramatic Poem By Richard Wagner

100 Fifth Avenue, New York: William Godwin, Publishers, 1920. First William Godwin edition; undated, circa 1920. Large 6 1/2" x 9 3/4" design. Freely Translated in Poetic Narrative Form by T. W. Rolleston. Black full-cloth beveled boards, silver embossed cover design and spine titles, moderate wear. Front board features silhouette of Pogany nude. Thick rough-cut pages generally very good; few w/plates w/some fox, vintage signature, stamp inside cover. String-bind good; hinges intact. Extremely rare, original dust wrapper w/stylized art deco front cover design, and spine titles, some wear, some chip; protected in new clear sleeve. Elaborate, profuse, symbolical and complexly illustrated edition by Willy Pogany. Contains seven colour lithograph smooth coated plates and nearly seventy glorious monochromatic designs throughout w/flourishing borders, accents; some chiaroscuro among other varied methods. Although other artists have illustrated various editions, Willy Pogany captures the surreal and tragic enchantment of this tale. A sharp example in good original wrapper by William Godwin of New York. Willy Pogany (1882-1955) was a prolific Hungarian book illustrator best known for his pen and ink drawings of myths and fables such as the German legend of Tannhauser. A large portion of Pogany's work can be termed Art Nouveau. Pogany's artistic style is heavily fairy-tale orientated and often features motifs of mythical animals such as nymphs and pixies. His dreamy colour illustrations are exemplified by the plates in this volume but his pen and ink drawings also portray the extent of his talent. Wagner's Tannhauser is a cautionary tale originally in operatic form. Here, the poetical text is majestically illustrated with the ethereal imagery of Willy Pogany. The tragedy follows Tannhauser and his lust for his lover, Venus. After endless pleasure is gained, and soon becomes wearisome, Tannhauser departs. Having forsaken God through his indulgences, he seeks forgiveness, which is granted. Meanwhile, Venus, within the throes of a shattered heart, commits the ultimate act of desolation. Wilhelm Richard Wagner was a German composer, conductor, theatre director and essayist, primarily known for his operas. Unlike most great opera composers, Wagner wrote both the scenario and libretto for his works. A rare and beautifully designed book. Apprx. 150 pages. Insured post.. First Edition. Hardcover. Very Good/Good. Illus. by Pogany, Willy. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Book.