Masha du Toit

Another treasure discovered in a second-hand bookshop:  The Firebird illustrated by Luděk Maňásek.    I could find out very little about him apart from the fact that he studied in Prague. I guess these must be lithographs.  The lines are soft and delicate,  almost furry:

The hero, Prince Ivan setting out on his quest to find the Princess Vasilissa.

Along the way, he helps various creatures, including some orphaned baby birds:

He captures the fabulous firebird:

And here is his bride to be, the Princess Vasilissa, “daughter of three mothers, darling of three grandmothers, sister of nine brothers.”

The firebird helps Prince Ivan to overcome the Deathless Magician Kostchei and his monsters:

The prince and princess returning home:

You might also like:

• Arabian Magic with a Polish touch: The Illustrations of Janusz Grabianski
• The haunting illustrations of Eva Bednarova: Chinese Fairly Tales.
• The Iliad and the Odyssey – Alice and Martin Provensen