RANDOM THOUGHTS
Journal ICONIX
STORIES FROM THE ARABIAN NIGHTS, Retold by Laurence Housman London Hodder and Stoughton, for Boots Pure Drug Co. 1920
Dulac's illustrations, with their beautiful evocation of the oriental atmosphere, are well-suited to this book. STORIES FROM THE ARABIAN NIGHTS is especially important in understanding Dulac's creative growth as it is believed that here, for the first time, he imposed and inner order and self-discipline. The success of the work was astonishing for its time and overshadowed other publication events for some time thereafter. To honor publication of the book, the Leicester Galleries showed Dulac's original artwork for the first time and with the exhibition, inaugurated what was said would become an annual event.
Dulac treated each picture with a seriousness that brought him great praise, showing that he, like any fine easel painter could accomplish great art, even for use in the book arts. The book sealed his reputation and set him permanently on the long course of success he would enjoy throughout his career.