Elves & Fairies
Picture Book Bedtime Story Fantasy Fairy Tale Illustrated Classic Children's Folklore Australian Folklore
Elves & Fairies is the 1999 collector’s edition of a 1920s Australian classic, now wrapped in a sturdy hardcover that measures nearly 30 cm tall—perfect for showcasing Ida Rentoul Outhwaite’s full-page color plates of gum-nut sprites, moonlit toadstools and gossamer-winged fairies. Annie R. Rentoul’s gentle bedtime text pairs with her sister’s legendary artwork to create a soothing read-aloud that works for toddlers who love rhyme and older readers who appreciate Arthur-Rackham-level detail. Because the book straddles picture-book and fairy-tale genres, it remains one of the few vintage titles that parents, gift-givers and YA fantasy fans can all enjoy on the same shelf.
What makes this copy special is its condition: the binding is tight, no names or creases mar the pages, and the original dust jacket is present—light foxing on the underside and slight edge rubbing are noted but do not intrude on the vibrant plates. At 80 pages it feels substantial in the hand yet stays under 600 g, so it can be read, displayed or carried to story-time without strain. The generous 220 mm width gives each spread room to breathe, letting Outhwaite’s delicate watercolor work shimmer as intended.
Collectors of Australian folklore art, Rackham-style illustrators, or anyone hunting a nostalgic bedtime treasury will find this edition fills a gap most modern reprints can’t match. Search terms like “vintage Australian fairy picture book,” “Ida Rentoul Outhwaite color plates,” or “1999 Hachette Elves & Fairies hardcover” all lead here, and with its clean interior and protected jacket this copy is ready to enchant another generation.
Refer to our eBay listing for a full condition report and many more high-quality pictures of this item.
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