E. Mervyn Taylor – Engravings on Wood – Mermaid Press 1957 – Limited First Edition

A fascinating early New Zealand children’s book, written by Sarah Rebecca Moore, under the name Mrs Ambrose E. Moore, and beautifully illustrated by noted New Zealand artist Emily Cumming Harris.

Published in Auckland by Brett Printing and Publishing in 1909, Fairyland in New Zealand: A Story of the Caves combines fantasy and adventure with a distinctly New Zealand setting. The story follows Rangi as he searches for his wife and child, with his journey eventually involving fairies, distant travels and a mysterious New Zealand cave.

The volume is illustrated throughout by E. C. Harris, including charming fairy imagery inspired by New Zealand plants and landscapes. The original edition contains 58 pages plus six leaves of illustrated plates.

An appealing antiquarian title for collectors of early New Zealand literature, children’s books, fairy tales, New Zealand art and works illustrated by Emily Cumming Harris.

Author: Sarah Rebecca Moore (Mrs Ambrose E. Moore)
Illustrator: Emily Cumming Harris
Publisher: Brett Printing and Publishing, Auckland
Publication Year: 1909
Pages: 58 pages plus 6 leaves of plates
Subject: New Zealand Children’s Literature / Fairy Tales / New Zealand Art / Antiquarian Books

A scarce and highly collectable volue showcasing the work of celebrated New Zealand artist and wood engraver E. Mervyn Taylor (1906–1964), published by his own Mermaid Press in Wellington in 1957.

This limited-edition publication contains 57 wood engravings, preceded by a short introduction by Taylor. His distinctive work draws strongly on the New Zealand landscape, native flora and fauna, Māori subjects and everyday life, establishing him as one of New Zealand’s most important twentieth-century printmakers.

The book was printed at Pegasus Press, Christchurch, with typography by E. Mervyn Taylor and Denis Glover. It was originally bound in grey linen with red lettering to the spine and red textured endpapers.

A significant piece of New Zealand art and publishing history, ideal for collectors of Mervyn Taylor, wood engraving, fine printing and New Zealand art books.

Artist: E. Mervyn Taylor
Publisher: Mermaid Press, Wellington
Printer: Pegasus Press, Christchurch
Publication Year: 1957
Edition: Limited Edition / First Edition
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 52
Illustrations: 57 wood engravings

Condition: Pre-owned, wear to original dust jacket