Queen Summer - Or the Tourney of the Lily and the Rose - Illustrated by Walter Crane

‘Queen Summer – Or the Tourney of the Lily and the Rose’ was originally published in 1891. It is an epic poem about the allegorical figure of ‘Queen Summer’, decorated throughout in stunning neoclassical style. It is both written and illustrated by Walter Crane – a true master of the Golden Age of illustration. The text and the artwork are presented as one, with Crane’s full-colour pages further enhancing the beautiful poetry.

When Summer on the earth was queen
She held her court in gardens green
Fair hung with tapestry of leaves,
Where threads of gold the sun enweaves.

Crane (1845 – 1915), was an English artist and book illustrator. He is considered to be the most influential, and among the most prolific, children’s book creator of his generation. Alongside such names as Randolph Caldecott and Kate Greenaway, he was also one of the strongest contributors to the child’s nursery theme. Crane’s work is characteristically colourful and beautifully detailed, taking its inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement (of which he was a member), as well as the iconic child-in-the-garden motif. His illustrated books are incredibly sought after today, as some of the finest examples of Golden Age art.