COVE

This rendition of Goblin Market was published in London in 1893 by MacMillan & Co. This rendition is the first edition for Laurence Housman's illustrations of the poem, which would go on to be republished numerous times. This version was designed as a gift book, meant to capture this growing market, especially around Christmas season. Housman's illustrations were meant for an older audience. This is not only because it was designed as a lavish gift book, but because his images enhance the sexual themes of the poem. His illustrations feature both sexual imagery, as well as sexualized positioning of the characters in order to enhance this theme. However, despite not being marketed for children, it was the first time the poem was represented as a picture book, acting as a bridge to the modern picture books marketed for children. There are no other authors attributed to this text, as it was designed to be a stand-alone edition of the poem. Laurence Housman was known for his pre-Raphaelite inspired images and illustrations that sought to bring new meaning, although Rossetti was not personally a fan. This rendition features twelve full page illustrations, as well as other textual decorations.