• ix •
The authors of this bibliography have encountered numerous difficulties in collecting data on some of the volumes, particularly the earlier ones. In many instances there were two and sometimes even three or four different bindings on books apparently of the same edition. The first issues were usually in more elaborate bindings, having gold stamping and lettering and with gilt edges, while later issues often had blind stamping and the lettering in black or color. In the earlier books it is often necessary to distinguish first issues by the clearness of the illustrations, which often show signs of wear in later editions.
Information has been obtained mostly from the authors’ own collections, with the help of Mr. Rackham and his publishers; often the opinions cited have been deduced from a comparison of copies, as for example, when dated advertisements occur in the books. In cases of simultaneous publication in England, America, and on the continent, the English edition has been considered the true first.
Bibliographical details have been minimized in this list. Since the point of interest is in the illustrations rather than in the text; and since these seldom undergo change after production has started, it has not seemed necessary to go into as much detail as one would for literary first editions. In submitting this list to other Rackham enthusiasts, the authors are aware that they are amateur bibliographers but they believe they have incorporated the essentials. Their chief desire is to make possible for others the pleasure they have had in rounding out their
