TannhäUser. A Dramatic Poem By Richard Wagner. Freely Translated In Poetic Narrative Form By T. W. Rolleston. Pogany, Willy (Illus.); Wagner, Richard.

First Pogany limited edition, number 509 of 525 copies signed by the artist. Working in London during the Golden Age of illustration, Pogany's most famous work remains his series of annual gift books, lavishly produced in collaboration with George Harrap. The elaborate format of the volumes, with hand-scripted text alongside different styles of illustration, was unusual and proved popular in the Christmas market. The limited edition was issued in at least three different bindings: full vellum, reversed calf, and goat with laced edges. This title is the first of Pogany's Wagner trilogy released in both trade and deluxe issues between 1911 and 1913. Quarto. Original vellum, spine and front cover lettered and elaborately decorated in gilt, illustrated endpapers, book block printed on heavy grey paper stock. Frontispiece, illustrated half-title, title and contents pages, 16 tipped-in colour plates, numerous full-page illustrations, elaborate decorative borders, smaller illustrations, and calligraphic letterpress in red and black throughout by Pogàny. Minor bumps to spine ends, faint stain to gently bowed front board. A very good copy.