The Lady of Shalott

Liz Dennett is a public service librarian in the Science and Technology
Library at the University of Alberta.

With her whimsical illustrations, Geneviиve Cфté reinforces the
beauty and mystery of the cursed Lady of Shalott in this edition of
Tennyson’s romantic poem. Her version is a distinct departure from the
well-known and elaborate Pre-Raphaelite interpretations of the poem by
artists such as John William Waterhouse. These line drawings are simple
and flowing, and washed over with glowing watercolours. While the
subject matter of the poem is based in Arthurian times, Cфté chose to
depict the Lady and her surroundings in a slightly fantastical and
stylized version of the early 20th century. Still, the text and drawings
work seamlessly together. The illustrations beautifully pace the poem
and guide the reader through Tennyson’s lilting verse. The
illustrations gave me a fresh appreciation and deeper understanding of
the poem, and will likely make it more accessible and enjoyable to a
younger audience.

In addition to the illustrations, the book itself demands attention
with its partial cloth binding, tall shape, smooth matte cover, and the
inclusion of a vellum page over the title page. All this adds up to a
thoroughly lovely and original edition of this beloved poem. Highly
recommended.