Hansel and Gretel (1916)
Hansel and Gretel, Beautifully Illustrated by Margaret Evans Price
Price, Margaret Evans, illustrator. Hansel and Gretel. Rochester, New York: Stecher Litho., 1916.
Octavo. Paper Wrappers, staple-bound. 1st Edition.
First edition of this lovely die-cut version of Hansel and Gretel, illustrated by renowned children's illustrator Margaret Evans Price. Published at the height of World War I, this version of Hansel and Gretel is rather different from the traditional fairy tale and reflects the idea that independence and initiative will be rewarded. Hansel and Gretel leave a rather sinister home where there is no food--and seemingly also no parents. On their trek through the forest, Hansel and Gretel are discovered by both fairies and the Dew Man. After encountering the witch's gingerbread cottage and realizing her plan, Gretel bakes the witch into gingerbread, thereby reviving other children who the witch baked into gingerbread previously and used to decorate her home. The children discover the witch's hidden gold and live--happily ever after--in her home, rich with her gold. The illustrations by Margaret Evans Price--the children's book illustrator and the first Art Director of the company she co-founded, Fisher-Price--are strikingly lovely. Rub mark to top edge of front wrapper, minor splitting at base of spine. Near-fine condition