Charles Robinson, Illustrator

The Child's Christmas with text by Evelyn Sharp, pictured by Charles Robinson Published by Blackie and Son Limited, London, Glasgow, Dublin, Bombay in 1906. This extraordinary book is a typical gift book from the Golden Age of illustration. If you possess an original leather-bound (with golden letters) first edition in good condition, it's worth several thousand dollars. It's a book about everything related to Christmas, which can be seen right at the contents: Christmas Eve, Santa Claus, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Christmas Week, The Christmas Party, The Pantomime, The New Year. It's abundantly illustrated by Charles Robinson who was at the top of his creative powers. There are color illustrations (about a dozen) and several hundred (!) line drawings. We'll try to present as much as possible but don't expect everything. With such a volume a compromise is a must. Anyway, the book is accessible as a reprint in several pocket-friendly (-er) versions and, of course...

Cinderella, illustrated by Charles Robinson Like most of the fairy tales presented in this blog, Cinderella comes from The Big Book of Fairy Tales, published in 1911 by Blackie & Son. Charles Robinson made a set of black and white drawings, including the title (above) and decorated letter (below). There's also a special treat - a full-page color illustration (later). The story is well-known, probably the most well-known story in the world. It starts with the girl losing her mother. Her father remarries and gets out of the picture (Cinderella is a fine example of the theme of the absent father). His new wife already has two daughters. So his daughter gets a stepmother and two stepsisters at once. But she loses much more. Her peace of mind. Her dignity. Even her name. All the dirty works are reserved for her. Nothing is too hard or too early for her. She has to sleep by the heath and is covered by ashes. Yet she somehow manages to stay optimistic. Her positive attitude improves ...

Jack the Giant-Killer, illustrated by Charles Robinson Jack the Giant-Killer is a typical English fairy tale dating from the 18th century. It is included in the collection The Big Book of Fairy Tales, edited by Walter Jerrold. In the beginning, we are informed about the giant who has terrorized an area for many years. His name is Cormoran, and he lives in St. Michael's Mount of Cornwall. He is huge, and strong, and often takes a few dozen sheep, oxen, or other animals to satisfy his hunger. Everybody fears him. In the same area lives a boy named Jack. He is a very smart boy. He asks in the Town Hall what would be his reward if he kills the giant. The Magistrates tell him he could keep the giant's treasures in the giant's cave. Jack makes a deep pit near the giant's cave and covers it with branches and leaves. He takes a pick-axe and starts yelling at the cave. The giant comes out and wants to catch Jack. He falls into the pit, and Jack crashes his skull with a pick-axe....