Walter Crane – The First of May: A Fairy Masque (1881)

This unique volume, The First of May: A Fairy Masque, is one of the great illustrated books by the Victorian artist Walter Crane (1845–1915). Published in London by Henry Sotheran & Co. in 1881, the work presents a series of 52 exquisite designs that bring to life Crane’s vision of a fairy pageant celebrating the arrival of spring.

The late 19th century was a period of intense fascination with fairy lore and mythology, as Victorians found enchantment in the mingling of nature, fantasy, and allegory. Writers and artists alike embraced the imagery of woodland spirits, sprites, and ethereal beings, blending them with themes of childhood innocence and seasonal renewal. Crane, one of the leading figures of the Arts and Crafts movement and a contemporary of William Morris, was particularly renowned for his richly decorative style and for his ability to combine narrative, ornament, and symbolism.

In The First of May, Crane captures this cultural fascination in a series of intricate illustrations that evoke the joy of May Day festivities, with its dancing fairies, blossoming flora, and mythic sense of celebration. The book is not only a testimony to Crane’s artistic brilliance but also a reflection of Victorian society’s longing for beauty, folklore, and escape from industrial modernity.

Condition: Original portfolio, worn and damaged, with loose illustrations. Contents complete, the plates clean, bright, and in excellent condition.