Andrew Lang (1844–1912) was a Scottish poet, novelist, literary critic and anthropologist, though he is best remembered as a collector of folk and fairy tales. Lang was greatly passionate about folklore, mythology and religion, and especially fascinated by mystical tales from other cultures.

It was this passion that led him to compile a collection of books known as Lang’s Fairy Books, which featured illustrations by Henry Justice Ford (1860–1941). Ford, a prolific and successful English artist and illustrator, captured the imagination of children around the world through his collaborations with not only Lang, but J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan), too.

Our Olive Fairy journal reproduces the front cover of Lang’s Olive Fairy Book. Published in 1907, it included stories such as “The Golden-Headed Fish” and “The Prince and the Princess in the Forest.” The stories were gathered from places like Turkey, India, Denmark, Armenia and the Sudan. Here, Ford’s Olive Fairy illustration offers a botanical and almost insectile quality that gives her a sense of scientific realism as well as fey possibility.

May the Olive Fairy bring a hint of vintage whimsy to your writings.