Kay Nielsen - ''Red Magic''

["In the Autumn of Youth: Fallen Leaves"] ["In Powder and Crinoline"] ["The Drawings of Kay Nielsen"] ["Perrault in Powder and Patch"] ["East of the Sun and West of the Moon"]

["Scenes from the Life of Joan of Arc"] ["Thousand Nights and a Night"] ["Fairy Tales by Hans Andersen"] ["Hansel and Gretel: And other stories by the Brothers Grimm"] ["The Apple"]

["A Seated Girl and a Monkey"] ["Kama Sutra"] ["Deserted Moment"] ["Le Belle au Bois Dormant"] ["The Lad in the Bear's skin, and the King of Arabia's daughter"]

[ "When he had walked a day or so, a strange man met him. "Whither way?" asked the man"] ["The Faun"] ["The Marsh King's Daughter"] ["The Little Match Girl"]

["The Story of a Mother"] [Concepts for "Fantasia"] [Concept for "The Ride of the Valkyries"] [Concepts for "The Little Mermaid"] [Advanced Concept for "The Little Mermaid"]

[Concepts for "Sleeping Beauty"] ["The First Spring"] ["Mayme and Thomas Wong bookplate"]

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"Red Magic" (1930)

Illustrated by Kay Nielsen

"Red Magic" (1930) was the final illustrated book to include commissioned contributions from Kay Nielsen.

It is a collection of 20 fairy-tales compiled by Florence Roma Muir Wilson who was known by the literary pseudonym of Romer Wilson.

In addition to compiling the collection, Wilson also contributes through her Introduction which is an informal discussion on the question of the

origin of Dragons.

The tales collected by Wilson in this title include: 'The Reward of Virtue'; 'The Story of the Three Bears'; 'Bluebeard'; 'Rich Peter the Pedlar';

'Hawk and Mole'; 'A Child's Dream of a Star'; 'Bean Flower and Pea Blossom'; 'The Country Mouse and the Town Mouse'; 'King Uggermugger;

or, The Princess Silver-Silk'; 'The Bear and the Hunter's Stepson'; 'At the Door'; 'The Six Swans'; 'The Enchanted Hind'; 'Mrs Tabitha Tortoiseshel';

'Bel and the Dragon'; 'St George and the Dragon'; 'The Dragon of Wantley'; 'The Chimæra'; 'Bash-Chalek; or, True Steel'; and 'Aladdin and the

Wonderful Lamp'.

Comment within "The International Studio" (Vol. 101, 1931) provides an insight into the contemporary reception that Nielsen's suite received

upon publication:

It is a pleasure to see a child's book of fairy tales in which conception, selection, illustration

and typographical rendering makes such a harmonious whole ... [t]he line illustrations both

embellish and illustrate the themes in a manner intelligible and acceptable to children

without once stopping to saccharine fancy, while the 8 colour plates have a delightful

freshness and cleanness.

In both design and pure number, the combination of monotone and colour illustrations contributed by Nielsen is sumptuous - with the colour

images including gilt highlights. In particular, given Wilson's interest in Dragons, Nielsen's various representations of the mythical reptiles and

their opponents - including St George - are a perfect complement to the text.

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On the left, we show a rare copy of the First Edition of "Red Magic" produced by

Jonathon Cape (London) in 1930 - Nielsen's final illustrated book.

This example retains the original unassuming red cloth cover.

On the right, the Title Page is shown with a design

contributed by Violet Brunton who had previously

illustrated "Green Magic" and "Silver Magic".

Our Greeting Cards and Fine Art Posters showing Kay Nielsen's
artwork for the First Edition of "Red Magic" (1930)

Greeting Card sample showing a Kay Nielsen illustration for ''Red Magic'' (1930)

Front of Greeting Card

(with envelope)

For connoisseurs of Nielsen's work, we have prepared sets of 8 Greeting Cards (approximately 7x5" on premium

acid-free card stock) displaying colour images from his designs for "Red Magic" and on the left and right, we show

an example of how these Greeting Cards appear.

Code: KN RM CS(8)
Price: US$40.00

Greeting Card sample showing information to the rear of the card

Rear of Greeting Card

(with envelope)

Front of Greeting Card

(with envelope)

Similarly, we have prepared sets of 50 Greeting Cards (approximately 7x5" on premium acid-free card stock)

displaying the major monotone images from his designs for "Red Magic" and on the left and right, we show an

example of how these Greeting Cards appear.

Code: KN RM MS(50)
Price: US$250.00

Greeting Card sample showing information to the rear of card

Rear of Greeting Card

(with envelope)

When presented on Greeting Cards, these images are prepared as tipped-on plates - in 'hommage' to the hand-crafted approach typical of

prestige illustrated publications produced in the early decades of the 20th Century. Each card is hand-finished and the images are presented

on Ivory card stock (in the case of colour illustrations) or White card stock (in the case of monotone images) with an accompanying envelope.

The rear of each card carries information about Kay Nielsen, this wonderful suite and the profiled illustration - we have left the interior of the

cards blank so that you may write your own personal message.

Should you wish to order a reproduction print of one or more of these images, we have provided some options below. Each of our Fine Art

Posters is prepared with archival quality papers and inks - and also accompanied by information about Kay Nielsen, this suite and the profiled

illustration.

To purchase, simply click on the appropriate "Add to Cart" button and you will be taken through to our Shopping Cart secured through PayPal.

Multiple purchases will be consolidated by that feature and shipping and handling costs to any destination in the world are accommodated by

our flat-rate fee of US$20 for every US$200 worth of purchases.

Of course, should you wish to discuss some customised options, we welcome your contact on any matter through email by ThePeople@SpiritoftheAges.com.

In the meantime, enjoy perusing these wonderful images from Kay Nielsen.

An example of one of our Fine Art Posters

in a superb 11x18" format

The colour illustrations by Kay Nielsen for
the First Edition of "Red Magic" (1930)

Bluebeard

She was forced to produce the key

King Uggermugger; or,

The Princess Silver-Silk

Slowly and little by little the

snakeskin unfolded

The Enchanted Hind

'Beautiful Hind, be not afraid'

St George and the Dragon

St George and the Dragon

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM C1 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM C2 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM C3 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM C4 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

The Chimaera

'When I look down into the water I see

the image of the winged horse'

Bash-Chalek; or, True Steel

'Stop, Prince! You cannot run away'

Aladdin and the Wonderful

Lamp

Her charm and beauty had

penetrated his heart

Aladdin and the Wonderful

Lamp

"What, you miserable creature!"

roared the Genie

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM C5 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM C6 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM C7 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM C8 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

The monotone illustrations by Kay Nielsen
for the First Edition of "Red Magic" (1930)

The Reward of Virtue

Virtue has no reward, my friend

The Reward of Virtue

And the Demons disappeared

The Reward of Virtue

Our friend Gigetto was the first

to disembark

The Story of the Three Bears

Out the little old woman jumped

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M1 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M2 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M3 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M4 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Rich Peter the Pedlar

The Stargazers looked and looked

Rich Peter the Pedlar

I can't go before I've got three

feathers out of his tail

Hawk and Mole

Hawk and Mole

A Child's Dream of a Star

"I see the Star"

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M5 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M6 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M7 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M8 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Bean Flower and Pea Blossom

"Come back early," cried the old

woman after him

Bean Flower and Pea Blossom

"Try and see," said Pea Blossom

laughingly

Bean Flower and Pea Blossom

The Carriage hurtled on from the

Equator to the Poles, from the

Poles to the Equator

Bean Flower and Pea Blossom

Come into you son's house

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M9 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M10 (11x18)
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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M11 (11x18)
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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M12 (11x18)
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The Country Mouse and

the Town Mouse

Give me my barley-bread in peace

and security

King Uggermugger; or,

The Princess Silver-Silk

I never saw such a muff in my life

King Uggermugger; or,

The Princess Silver-Silk

... and rode off in a great rage

The Bear and the Hunter's Stepson

If a man who must not, kills a She-Bear,

he will die

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M13 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M14 (11x18)
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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M15 (11x18)
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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M16 (11x18)
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At the Door

"Hello! Hello! It is dear Mr Bruin!

Tired and wet, perfect ruin!"

The Six Swans

They were changed into swans and

flew away over the wood

The Enchanted Hind

She was so surprised to meet

a talking crayfish

The Enchanted Hind

The Princess Désirée

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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The Enchanted Hind

The Ethiopian Princess entered her

ivory coach drawn by six ostriches

The Enchanted Hind

In this attire Hawthorn proceeded

towards the city

The Enchanted Hind

A Hind bounded off at his coming

The Enchanted Hind

He discharged arrows at her which

caused her nearly to die of Fear

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M21 (11x18)
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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Mrs Tabitha Tortoiseshell

"Kits ahoy! The anchor weigh! I'm a

sailor-cat to-day!"

Bel and the Dragon

... and the Angel of the Lord carried

Habakkuk into Babylon

St George and the Dragon

Behold! St George came riding by

St George and the Dragon

St George and the Lions

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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The Dragon of Wantley

But More of More Hall, with nothing at

all, he slew the Dragon of Wantley

The Chimaera

He begged that he might refresh

himself with a draught

The Chimaera

Bellerophon was fitting his shield on

his arm and drawing his sword

Bash-Chalek; or, True Steel

The Heavens seemed to be on fire

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M29 (11x18)
Price: US$60.00

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M30 (11x18)
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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Bash-Chalek; or, True Steel

So fast was he bound that he could not

move at all any way

Bash-Chalek; or, True Steel

My husband is the King of Eagles

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

"My son, aren't you the child of one

Mustapha the Tailor?"

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

Aladdin was magnificently dressed in

new clothes from head to foot

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

He took the lighted lamp

from the niche

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

A huge and hideous Genie appeared

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

He was on the point of

pursuing the lad

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

She knelt once more, and proffered

it to the Sultan

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M37 (11x18)
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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

The Genie and the

Princess Badroulboudour

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

Aladdin mounted his horse

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

In this way the Princess walked along

the velvet carpet

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

He gazed into his Crystal Ball

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

Code: KN RM M41 (11x18)
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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

The Princess was entirely ignorant of the

value of the Lamp

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

He took his sword and brandished

it three times

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

"Hitherto he has visited me each day"

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

"Transport this Palace immediately

to China"

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

He soon discovered Fatima lying

asleep on a sofa

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

The End

Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Fine Art Poster (11x18'')

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Romer Wilson's Introduction to "Red Magic" (1930)

Some say that the Great Whale, or Leviathan which swallowed Jonah, is the origin of Dragons; of whom seafaring men reported that examples had been met with three hundred

feet in length. In the ancient days there may have been whales of this dimension. But I do not believe, however huge, that the whale was the original of the True Dragon, for the

whale has no wings, nor does he crawl along the ground. Dragons resemble dreadfully the Pterodactyl, a beast now mercifully extinct, a "winged-fingered lizard, an order of flying

reptile" who one haunted the Thames valley and other well-known parts of the world, London and Paris even when those cities were mud huts. These horrible creatures were of

all sizes from that of a sparrow to that of a small aeroplane. The largest had wings twenty-five feet from tip to tip, and long powerful jaws armed with teeth. The memory of man

goes back far beyond what we imagine. I feel sure that our Dragon-stories had their beginning in tales of the Stone Age when people really were devoured by enormous winged

things, when a man really was heroic who rid the countryside of one of these terrors. The memory of anything so frightful would be handed down from one generation to another

until it was written, and, once written, it was no more a memory, but a record of an ancient recollection, embroidered upon, decorated to suit the taste of the age, but at bottom,

the same old tale, the story of a man who killed a singed snake and was made a prince of the Tribe in honour of the deed.

Other dragonish beings are told of beside the True Dragon. There was the Basilisk who slew men with a glance; and the Chimæra of the Greeks with a head like lion, another

like a goat, and the third like a huge snake. The chimæra has come to mean an imaginary thing, a mistaken idea, and doubtless such a strange beast never existed. Another

unlikely dragon is the marsh snake or Hydra which had nine heads and grew another nine for every one cut off. It also was a Greek. Then there was the Scandinavian snake

Nidhögg that lay under the root of the world-tree Yggdrawil and gnawed it away. And last and greatest of all, still believed in by some people, is the great sea-serpent that wallows

round the world. He has "been seen," usually in summer-time by townsfolk at the seaside. I have seen him too, curveting and rolling through the waves in the Mediterranean, but

he turned out to be a school of Dolphins, merrily swimming one after another with their curious curling-over motion of their long thin backs.

And a school of porpoises or dolphins I dare say the greatest sea-serpent proved to be, and always will prove to be. Credulous townsmen like to return home with great adventures

behind them, and many a poor conger or porpoise has served to startle the home-staying neighbours in a winter's tale.

No, there are no dragons now. They are as dead as the dodo, and good riddance.

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"Red Magic" (1930)

Illustrated by Kay Nielsen

Our Greeting Cards and Fine Art Posters showing Kay Nielsen's artwork for the First Edition of "Red Magic" (1930)

The colour illustrations by Kay Nielsen for the First Edition of "Red Magic" (1930)

The monotone illustrations by Kay Nielsen for the First Edition of "Red Magic" (1930)

Our Greeting Cards and Fine Art Posters showing Kay Nielsen's
artwork for the First Edition of "Red Magic" (1930)

The colour illustrations by Kay Nielsen for
the First Edition of "Red Magic" (1930)

The monotone illustrations by Kay Nielsen
for the First Edition of "Red Magic" (1930)