Arthur Rackham: A Life With Illustration

by James Hamilton

Over-sized Hardback with beautiful Illustrations by Arthur Rackham Most Illustrations are from his private collection.

Genres: Art, Biography, Nonfiction, Reference, Biography Memoir, History, Visual Art

199 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

James Hamilton is a curator, writer and lecturer, who entered the University of Manchester to read Mechanical Engineering, and emerged with a degree in History of Art.

Reviews

[Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this beautiful volume up while in Wales visiting the "book town" of Hay-on-Wye this past Summer. Now, I am normally very particular about which books I buy, whether online or by travelling halfway around the world (or thereabouts) as on this trip. I had a want-list and filled some of it. But this pickup was spontaneous. I had stopped late in the day at the last bookstore we would get to visit before having to get in the car and drive back over the border to the Cotswolds.

How did I end up picking this one, out of all the thousands of books (and this is no exaggeration) available in Hay-on-Wye? I think it was because of the place itself. Tolkien's ghost seems to haunt the area, or at least our trip. We ate at The Eagle and Child, the Oxford pub where J.R.R. used to drink a pint with C.S. Lewis - incidentally, they had the absolutely best fish and chips I've ever eaten - the town we were staying in, Moreton-in-Marsh (it isn't, really . . . in a marsh, that is, at least not anymore) was, apparently the model for Bree. One of the pubs there, The Bell, provided the inspiration for the Inn of the Prancing Pony, and they celebrated this with a map of Middle Earth drawn across one entire wall (scroll down after clicking the Moreton link and you'll see it). And if you closed your eyes and opened them again on a hike through the hills (and we took a 12 mile hike, one day), you would swear you were in The Shire. Eastern Wales was much the same and had even more sheep than the Cotswolds.

So, in my last desperate rush to pick out a book, I spotted this volume of Rackham's work. And I thought of Ian Miller's art of the '70s, which I grew up with as my visual token of Middle Earth. Take Miller's art, soften it (a lot), pump it full of whimsy, and give it ethereal tones of sepia and silver, and you've got Rackham. Of course, that analogy is an anachronism - Rackham died before Miller was born (both events on either side of World War II). In fact, I wonder if Miller was not heavily influenced by Rackham's books and prints? There is a certain likeness . . .

What about the book itself? It's a wonderful biography replete with lots of color pictures of Rackham's work. Unlike some monographs, this one is almost completely filled with his beautiful, dreamlike paintings. I believe only one non-Rackham art piece is featured, and that is a Durer engraving used to show how Rackham (self-admittedly) copied one of his painting's layouts from the German master's print. I greatly enjoyed the focus - I wanted a Rackham book, I got a Rackham book! My only real complaint is that the paintings and illustrations are not given in strict chronological order, while the biography is, of necessity so organized.

The biography is thorough and a touch coy with sensitive subjects. It's never completely clear to me whether or not Rackham had an affair or affairs, but . . . maybe? My blunt American-ness gets in the way of fully understanding English subtleties, at times, even though I lived in England for three years (from age 15 to 18). Rackham's life story is refreshingly normal, so far as biographies go. There is no attempt to make him a hero or a martyr. He lived life, had ups and downs, seems to have loved his family, went through times of financial difficulty and times of affluence, had health difficulties as an older man and essentially died working. If the book is to be believed, his remarkable-ness was poured entirely into his art. And it is remarkable!

[Orsolya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arthur Rackham’s name may be one you are unfamiliar with but his work have certainly invaded your eyes on many occasions. From “Alice in Wonderland” to “Peter Pan” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” to the Brothers Grimm; Rackham’s work is charming, whimsical, but also grotesque and fantastical. James Hamilton goes beyond the images to the man himself in “Arthur Rackham: A Life with Illustration”.

Mixing powerful writing with suitable praise, Hamilton truly opens up the life of Arthur Rackham. Beginning with a background look at Rackham’s ancestry (which is not boring); Hamilton dives into describing how Rackham’s childhood influenced his work based on nuances and allowing the reader to see these effects for him/herself.

Hamilton seamlessly weaves a perfect ratio of work history with that of Rackham’s personal life never leaving one topic exhausted or overemphasizing one over the other. Supplemented by an abundant amount of first-person primary resources (including personal writings from Rackham and his family’s archives) and also by glorious illustrations of Rackham’s various works; “Arthus Rackham: is one biography which can’t be ignored. To say the book is vibrant is an understatement.

I did find some errors in terms of incorrectly dated captions and grammar mistakes. However, the edition I was reading is pervious to the newly re-issued version (with a new cover) in which I assume (hopefully) that these errors have been caught.

Although Hamilton describes Rackham’s growth, advancement, and stylistic detail to his works; “Arthur Rackham” is not an artistic study or assessment. The book does feature discussions of artistic methods used by Rackham, but doesn’t overanalyze art meanings. Like the title states, the text provides a literal, life biography. Despite this, Hamilton still provides some art insight which is new and pleasurable even to a Rackham fan.

Instead of merely showing Rackham in a purely flattering way, Hamilton describes Rackham’s struggles with humble notes which create a natural bonding with the reader. A Rackham fan will undeniably become a bigger one. Although one may assume the coverage to be dry or merely for art lovers, on the contrary, small details such as models used (and the techniques surrounding them), classes Rackham attended, and notes on his friends and contemporaries; keeps “Arthur Rackham” fresh and inviting even for the average reader.

The final chapter, focusing on a comparative study of Rackham’s various versions of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” smoothly balances the touching description of Rackham’s life and legacy. Along with a terrific appendix covering a timelime of Rackham’s life, his family tree, a list of all books illustrated by Rackham, a listing of exhibitions of his works, and an excellent look into his ledgers/account books of incomes vs. expenditures; Hamilton concludes the biography on a strong and memorable note.

Whether one is new to the illustrations of Arthur Rackham or is a long-time fan; “Arthur Rackham” does not fail to portray Rackham on an intimate and enlightening level. A must read for art lovers or children at heart.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

For as long as I can remember, I've loved Arthur Rackham's illustrations. To me, he defined the world of faerie, in all its sometimes grotesque, otherworldly beauty.

Very interesting book covering Rackham's life, complete with tons of his illustrations and watercolors.

An amazing artist.

[Krisette Spangler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book. It is full of Mr. Rackham's beautiful illustrations and the story of his life. I absolutely enjoyed every minute of it.

[John Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has to be the most sumptious and thorough work on Rackham yet. Hamilton painstakingly relates the details of Rackham's life, with enlightening glimpses into the artist's youth, as well as the years following success. Hamilton places a great emphasis on the business side of Rackham's career, running through the adjenda of his life interspersed with contemporary reviews of his books and anecdotes of family life. So thorough is the accounting that the author even includes a fascinating appendix on Rackham's expenses and fees.

Where the book falls down is that it lacks as thorough a coverage of Rackham as an artist. Very little is mentioned of his techniques or his methods of working. Although the book is gloriously illustrated, rarely are Rackham's pictures analysed (for this the best discussion of Rackham's art still remains Fred Gettings 1975 biography).

One other rather niggling point, is although the book is full of Rackham's art, whenever possible Hamilton has chosen to make fresh reproductions taken directly from extant artwork. This proves to be a double-edged benefit, as we see the artwork as it is today, warts and all, which may not have been as it was originally intended. Notably some B/W illustrations were subsequently coloured by Rackham for exhibition sale after reproductions in books, nearly always to the detriment of the final image. Also the emphasis on using existing artwork means there are some major gaps in the pictures chosen for inclusion.

Nevertheless, these points aside, this has to be the most detailed work on Rackham and an essential addition to the library of any serious fan.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot imagine a more lush and complete chronicle of Rackham's life and art than this book. Hamilton carefully pairs the events of Rackham's life with his artistic developments, so that the narrative reads more like an artistic exploration than a biography - a positive effect in my opinion. At points, the text loops back on itself to re-discuss previous themes, but Hamilton does so in a way which ties the book neatly together rather than seeming repetitive. And then there's the illustrations. So many are included - everything from the books to landscapes to little sketches and characters - that no fan of Rackham's work will be disappointed.

[Thought Bottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My read time is a bit misleading-it’s not particularly dense. It’s about 175 pages and roughly half the space is illustrated.

However, the book is enormous. Its dimensions closed are 12”x9” and weighs a full 3lbs. I could only chip away at it by reading it on a large book stand with strong arms to keep it open. Also has highly reflective glossy pages that require some careful light source tinkering to be able to effectively read it comfortably.

If you’re planning on ordering this to read rather than just to admire, just be aware that it’s a pretty cumbersome tome.

Such a lovely book, though. The illustrations are gorgeous and I think the production had the art in mind more than the text, which, now that I’ve finished with it, I am grateful for again.

For the actual content, the first 2 chapters are *painful* to get through.

It’s basically the society pages of the day: where he lived, pages and pages and PAGES about his dad, who knew who, why they were important, what church he went to, where that church was was located, who the pastor was, blah blah blah blah BLAH. Couldn’t care less, very little actually about Arthur.

A huge amount of my read time was here because who has the endurance for that kind of drivel? Yes, amazingly researched, very impressive, do not CARE.

I’d make it like 5 pages, get frustrated, soft DNF, repeat. If you want to read it and can’t stand it, either, I put in the work for you: start at chapter 3.

Everything after that is phenomenal, though because it’s actually about him and his career.

You don’t just get a sense of his development, process and disposition, but a very definite feel for the time and culture he was working in as the book walks you through the details of his various book deals down to his payment and correspondences during that time as well as giving insight about the times he was living and working through.

The chapters that concern WWI are particularly moving. As a layperson, it never would have occurred to me that he deliberately played his signature gruesomeness in his art way, way down so as not to display too graphically what his countrymen and women might already have swimming in the back of their minds as the possible fate of their loved ones in active combat.

The importance of comfort and escapism people ran to his books for during this time has 2 very moving examples on pg. 112:

1. “Rackham’s work became balm for wounded soldiers, as one mother wrote: ‘I am urged to write to you by my son who is wildly fond of your work: and when he is getting better from very bad wounds received near Ypres, your illustrations of Books were his great joy and delight’”.

2. “A French soldier, Jean Maria Carré, who had published an article on Rackham in 1912, wrote to ask him if he would generously replace his copy of The Ring of Nibelung: ‘The house has been completely plundered, my books scattered away… I have been living three years on the front and partaking of all battles, Belgium, Marne, Champagne, Verdun, Somme and Aisne. We have lost everything… As the Huns have ransacked my library, I would like to secure at least, for my sister, another copy of Ring of Nibelung.”

Ugh. If I were receiving letters like that I would be stomping the gruesomeness out of my art as well.

There is so much to learn in these pages. And an artist that’s WORTH admiring:

-He was kind to his fans and shared what he knew freely.

-Made sure he corrected anyone who mistakenly called Edyth [his wife and fellow accomplished artist] an ‘artists wife’ by insisting they be seen and treated as equals, encouraged her in her work and cared for her for many years when she was ill.

-He insisted on the quality of his work and was very much involved to the best of his ability in every aspect of his projects.

-He admitted when he didn’t think he knew enough to hold conversation on a topic [no mansplaining here].

-He respected the boundaries of his models and built life long relationships with them. [No pervy problematic issues here].

-Obviously, his fantastic and iconic work.

This isn’t an old-timey artist you’re going to get crushed by learning more about.

You’ll learn about his life, how he worked, the progression of his career and get a fantastic collection of his work, which I imagine covers everyone who would like to purchase this book.

I can definitely assure you, this is a book well worth your money and your attention. 100% recommend.

[Douglas Summers-Stay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw a couple of Arthur Rackham originals at an exhibit in Pennsylvania I traveled especially to see. I was amazed at the delicacy of the lines and the subtle quality of the painting overall. Previously I had only seen his illustrations printed in the poor quality that was available for color prints at the time, or reproductions based on those prints. The quality of the images in this book is far superior to any of those prints, and was clearly taken directly from the originals. The only fault I can find with it is that there are not enough full-page reproductions (there are 25 or 30).
The text is about what you'd expect, a typical biography. It gets more interesting when it is correspondence about particular paintings. One interesting bit was the reaction to his Alice illustrations-- many reviewers felt that trying to replace Tenniel's original illustrations was a sin. But Rackham's version sold very well, and deservedly so.
I liked the point the author made that Rackham tended to rise to the occasion when he was illustrating a classic: his illustrations of Arabian Nights, or the Ring Saga, or Alice, stand out as some of his very best work. C.S. Lewis mentions him as a major influence.
I enjoy the fantasy material Rackham often illustrated, but also the composition, his use of watercolor washes, and the gesture he captures when drawing humans. I'm not really such a fan of caricatured dwarf and witch faces, though they aren't repulsive like some illustrators I could name.

[Michael Reilly · Rating 4 out of 5]

An always interesting and well written book covering Rackham’s life and work, this attractive hardcover is an exact reproduction of the 1990 publication of the same name.

Rackham’s exquisite economy of line and tone shines strongly throughout the art selections on these pages, highlighting his mastery of pen & ink and watercolour washes fit for print reproduction. James Hamilton provides a full history to support the imagery, noting key successes and personal disappointments, detailing fluctuations in work and therefore income, and describing the reception by critics, collectors and the public (which was often quite savage).

The biographical information, which includes many quotes from letters by Rackham, is illuminating, allowing great insight into the artist’s thoughts and beliefs, bringing forth his personality and fears, and defining important aspects of his relationships with clients, family and longtime friends. As Rackham’s health fails we’re also able to better understand the impact of such concerns, especially as he’s caught in a race to finish illustrations for The Wind in the Willows as his sight and general wellbeing fade away.

Print quality is good, and the old page layout remains suitable, especially with its inclusion of so many small b&w illustrations that otherwise may not have been featured, but add much pleasing decoration. Great artwork supports a comprehensive history in a book worthy of anyone’s library.

[Mike Parkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The world of fairy tales that exists in many of our minds from childhood stories was created to a large degree by Arthur Rackham and subsequent illustrators who have followed his influences. This book is a comprehensive look at Rackham’s life and work. After reading it, I’ve concluded that, in my adult years, I am only a moderate fan. There are certainly some striking and iconic images, but the almost monochrome palette (a conscious choice due to the limitations of colour printing at the time), and one too many a twee gnome or anthropomorphic tree, are limitations that become more of an annoyance when seen in bulk. I must say that although the biographer tries his best, Rackham’s life was not all that interesting. I’d have preferred if the text had spent a bit more time on the broader history and contemporary context of book illustration, or the texts that Rackham illustrated, as opposed to the minutiae of Rackham’s life.

[Hugh Coverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful biography of a great artist. I have loved Arthur Rackham’s illustrations since I could borrow books from the local library as a child nearly fifty years ago. They have not lost their charm or effect all these years later. When I first saw this book in a local used bookstore, I wanted it in my collection. Alas, it was outside my budget. A couple of years ago, while strolling through a Toronto antique market, I found it and another biography of a favourite artist for the same price as the Rackham book in Ottawa. I was persuaded to try and get both books for $50, and the bargaining worked. So glad I did the deed. It is a beautiful book and provides a better understanding of Rackham and his work.

[Suzanne Fournier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched, interesting and beautiful biography of Arthur Rackham. I've enjoyed his illustrations for many year and was happy to borrow a copy of this book to learn more about him. It was surprising how little he was officially appreciated in his time.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dnf

[Chris Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting enough biography I suppose, he didn't really have a very exciting life outside of his art but I enjoyed following his career.
Totally read it for the pictures though.

[Richard Burley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a relative newcomer to Arthur Rackham's art I am in awe! And James Hamilton did a marvelous job detailing the artist's life. Quite enjoyable. Recommended!

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a tad iffy about this book at first, mainly due to the fact I have seen so many book on Arthur Rackham before I wondered what could possibly be added to the already substantial collection. Turns out I was wrong for whatever doubt I had, if you are going to research this illustrator or just own one book about his work I would recommend only this book.

The printing of the book i cannot fault each image is beautifully presented and while I could have taken to some of the images being slightly larger I still found I was okay with the smaller images. In the book we are given a large volume of information, for me non fiction takes longer to read so to have images along side the text and the text broken down easy to read and nice clear formatting was refreshing. It felt as if I were reading a newspaper or magazine.

The cover is beautiful, although the texture slightly bugs me it has that canvas feeling i am not totally comfortable with that but that's me and to be honest its one of my favorite covers in a long time. The book contains a list of books he illustrated and timeline of his life.

The only reason this book did not get a five star i would have to say that while the layout and format is easy to read it some times feels as if they had felt they needed to stick an extra image in there and somehow it does not really seem to fit. Personally I would take a whole page of text over a poorly laid image any day of the week.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars for the art: This book contains a marvelous collection of Rackham's art. For this alone, the book is worth 5 stars.

3 stars for the text: The text is a detailed study of Rackham's life. It was very interesting, but perhaps too detailed for me. For example, frequently there are lists of "well-known" people, and I didn't recognize even one of them. I guess I don't know enough about the art world. :) I still enjoyed the book!

[Varmint · Rating 3 out of 5]

hamilton gives a richly detailed account of the artists life. ultimately i didn't care. i began to view the text as wasting space that could have been used for the illustrations.

it is a good way to see a range of rackhams work. many obscure drawings.

[R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite coming from a different reality with fewer distractions, I could count on one hand artists I have met who worked as hard and. continuously as Rackham. It shows. His sympathy for the underdog and his private way of life are just as unsurprising.

[Julia Hendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The real delight are all the color illustrations of Rackham's work which will struck a chord with many from their childhood reading. Rackham seems to have lived a quiet life and this biography doesn't give much insight into his emotions. But this may be due to lack of sources.

[Alan Culler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Thanks Patience & Steve.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thoughts:

http://www.greenmanreview.com/book/bo...

[Sarah Harkness · Rating 3 out of 5]

borrowed from Barnsley Library - I probably skim read the second half....

[Diane Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good book on Arthur Rackham's life complete with tons of his illustrations. The expressions on the faces of the animals he has drawn are amazing.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a beautiful, interesting book. Initially a library book loan, now a purchase because I can't put it down and dipping into Rackham's world.

[Wetdryvac Wetdryvac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable.

[Clement Ying · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children's book,

Or,

Children's dreams?