Lancelot Speed – illustratör

In his "Blue Fairy-Book" Mr. Andrew Lang did not exhaust the fairy treasury, and in this companion volume he has collected many attractive tales. They are mainly from Madame d''Aulnoy and other French sources, the Norse and the unfailing German. Mr. Lang has condensed the story of "Sigurd" from William Morris'' version of the " Volsunga Saga." The "Twelve Dancing Princesses," the "Death of Koschei the Deathless," the "Master Thief," "Kari Woodengown," "Dapplegrim," " Minnikin," and " Rapunzel " are among the less familiar tales here. This book is fully illustrated and annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.

The conception of " The True Story Book " by Mr. Andrew Lang, was an admirable one, for no more fascinating stories of adventure could possibly be devised than some which have been enacted in this work-a-day world. This volume takes the place of Mr. Lang''s annual fairy book, and relates strange episodes from the lives of Prince Charlie, Grace Darling, Benvenuto Cellini, Cervantes, Baron Trenck, Cesare Borgia, Cortes, and many another scapegrace and hero. This book is fully illustrated and annotated with a rare extensive biographical sketch of the author, Andrew Lang, written by Sir Edmund Gosse, CB, a contemporary poet and writer.