Books

Handsomely bound in large quarto boards, in sturdy black cloth with the glorious paste-down cover painting by Maxfield Parrish. Black cloth spine with some damage to the bottom 1". With a touch of foxing to the front center and right-hand corner of the paste-down. The rear boards have some light stray marks. Internally the book is exceptionally clean, bright, and printed on heavy white stock which splendidly displays the luminous colors of Maxfield Parrish's illustrations. With 15 full-page plates, and 8 third-page plates, colorful endpapers, and the frontispiece with its original tissue guard present. Slight separations to the occasional signature; otherwise, a superb production. Note: Louise Saunders was the wife of the renowned Scribner's editor Maxwell Perkins who nurtured and advised Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas Wolfe, among many others. "Not until 1920 did [Parrish] agree to illustrate what was to become one of the most valuable children's books ever published, Louise Saunders's Knave of Hearts. Saunders was the wife of Maxwell Perkins, the literary editor at Scribner's. They summered in Cornish, New Hampshire, and were friends with the Parrishes. In a letter to J. H. Chapin of Scribner's, Parrish wrote on October 24, 1920: 'The reason I wanted to illustrate the Knave of Hearts was on account of the bully opportunity it gives for a very good time making the pictures. Imagination could run riot, not bound down by the period, just good fun and all sorts of things. You must understand all this layout to be in gorgeous color. The landscapes back of the figures in the cover lining--a very beautiful affair illuminated by a golden late afternoon sun: castles, waterfall, rocks and mountains.' Parrish relished working three years on the twenty-six paintings for the Knave of Hearts. He built an elaborate castle model in his fully equipped workroom to use in the illustrations for the book.Many of the fixtures in the illustrations show handcrafted items from the Parrish household, such as elaborate hinges and a wonderful clocklike affair that Parrish had built to let him know when the main house ran out of well water. Knave of Hearts, published in October 1925, was printed in rich colors on heavy coated paper. The illustrations were the highest quality reproductions that could be printed" (Alma Gilbert, Maxfield Parrish: The Masterworks, pp. 49-52). Ludwig, p. 206." First Edition with matching dates of 1925 on the title and copyright pages as well as the Scribner Seal at the bottom of the copyright page.

"The Knave of Hearts" by Louise Saunders is a whimsical romantic fantasy novel published in 1925. Set in a fairy-tale world, the story revolves around the titular character, the Knave, and his adventures. The Knave is on a quest to win the heart of the princess, and the narrative unfolds with a blend of humor, adventure, and romance. The novel explores themes of love, identity, and the fantastical elements of a fairy-tale realm, providing readers with a delightful escape into a charming and imaginative world. Saunders' storytelling captivates the reader with vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and a plot that combines elements of classic fairy tales with a unique and modern twist. As the Knave navigates through enchanting landscapes, encounters magical beings, and faces various challenges, readers are taken on a journey that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The author's prose is rich with wit and charm, creating a timeless story that continues to enchant readers with its timeless appeal. "The Knave of Hearts" remains a delightful classic that showcases Saunders' storytelling prowess and her ability to transport readers to a magical world where love, adventure, and whimsy intertwine in a captivating narrative.