Illustration By Warwick Goble from The Fairy Book 1913 

Warwick Goble was a British illustrator of children's books who was active from the late 19th to the early 20th century, specializing in fairy tales, children's books, science fiction and fantasy stories. He is perhaps most well-known for his illustrations in the first publication of H.G. Wells' The War of the Worlds and his illustrations for Charles Kingsley's The Water-Babies. His work is characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate detail, and romanticism. His work was diverse, and his illustrations ranged from fairy tales, myths, and legends from around the world.

 

 Illustration by Warwick Goble from Book of Fairy Poetry 1920

 

Goble was born in Dalston, London, in 1862. He studied art at the City of London School and the Westminster School of Art. After graduating, he began working as an illustrator for magazines and newspapers.

Illustration by Warwick Goble in Pearson's Magazine, May 1899

In 1897, he illustrated his first children's book, Lad's Love by Samuel Rutherford Crockett. This was followed by a string of successful children's books, including The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley, The Arabian Nights, and Grimm's Fairy Tales.

 

The Water Babies (1909) by Charles Kingsley. This classic children's book tells the story of a young boy who falls into a river and is transformed into a water baby. Goble's illustrations capture the beauty and magic of the underwater world.

 

 

The Arabian Nights (1910) by Various Authors. This collection of Middle Eastern folk tales is full of adventure, magic, and romance. Goble's illustrations bring the stories to life with their vibrant colors and intricate detail.

 

 

Green Willow and Other Japanese Fairy Tales (1910) by Grace James. This collection of Japanese fairy tales is full of strange and wonderful creatures, such as the kappa, the tengu, and the tanuki. Goble's illustrations capture the unique beauty and mystery of Japanese culture.

 

 Grimm's Fairy Tales (1912) by The Brothers Grimm. This collection of German fairy tales includes some of the most popular stories in the world, such as "Cinderella," "Snow White," and "The Frog Prince." Goble's illustrations capture the timeless appeal of these stories.

 

 Goble's illustrations are characterized by their use of rich colors. He often incorporated elements of mythology and folklore into his work, which helped to create a sense of magic and wonder in his illustrations. His works are praised for their beauty and realism. He had a gift for capturing the magic and wonder of fairy tales, while also grounding them in reality. His work was often compared to that of Arthur Rackham, another renowned children's illustrator.

 

 Goble's work has had a lasting impact on the world of children's literature. His illustrations are still admired by children and adults alike, and they continue to inspire new generations of artists.

In addition to his children's books, Goble also illustrated a number of adult novels, including The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells and The Book of Baal by Marie Corelli. He also produced a series of paintings on religious themes.

Illustration by Warwick Goble in The War of The World 1897

Warwick Goble’s illustrations for the first publication of The War of the Worlds by H G Wells in Pearson’s Magazine in 1897 reinforce the feelings of chaos and confusion that pervades the novel.

 

 

Goble retired in the late 1930s, living finally at a well-appointed address in the village of Merstham, Surrey, near Reigate. He did not marry and had no children. He was born to a modest family and through his work achieved a prosperous and comfortable life. He was a very private person, and little is known of his life.  Nothing else is known of his character or circumstances: There are no photos, paintings and no personal documents that have survived and he does not appear in literature of the period. Goble died at 80 years of age or so.  He died at home in the middle of the Second World War. He left an estate of £4,767, an amount theoretically worth £150,000 in modern sterling, but probably with buying power well in advance of the current day £600,000 or more. Intriguingly, his will benefitted Ms. Stanway of Llandudno, North Wales, of whom very little is known.

 

 

 Goble's work has had a lasting impact on children's literature. His illustrations are still enjoyed by children and adults alike, and they continue to inspire new generations of artists.

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few of the stories-books that he illustrated:
The Book of Fairy Poetry (1920) by D. Owen. This anthology of poems about fairies, elves, and other magical creatures is beautifully illustrated by Goble. His illustrations transport readers to a world of wonder and enchantment.
Il Pentamerone (1911) by Giambattista Basile. This collection of Italian fairy tales is known for its bawdy humor and its dark, twisted stories. Goble's illustrations are surprisingly faithful to the original text, and they add a touch of menace to the stories.
Folk-Tales of Bengal (1912) by Lal Behari Dey. This collection of Indian folk tales is a treasure trove of stories about gods, demons, and ordinary people. Goble's illustrations bring the stories to life with their vibrant colors and intricate detail.
The Modern Reader's Chaucer (1912) by Geoffrey Chaucer. This anthology of Chaucer's poetry is beautifully illustrated by Goble. His illustrations capture the humor, romance, and adventure of the stories.
John Halifax, Gentleman (1914) by Dinah Craik. This novel tells the story of a young boy who rises from poverty to become a successful businessman. Goble's illustrations capture the drama and excitement of the story.
Tales of the Alhambra (1926) by Washington Irving. This collection of stories about Moorish Spain is full of romance, adventure, and history. Goble's illustrations bring the stories to life with their vibrant colors and intricate detail.
These are just a few of the many popular works of Warwick Goble. His illustrations are a treasure trove of beauty and imagination, and they continue to delight and inspire readers of all ages.

 

 Warwick Gobles paintings continue to appear in the art market, commanding high prices, and his books are prized by collectors for their vivid color and decorative intensity. Though mainly a twentieth century artist, he made a small but important contribution to late Victorian illustration.