i-xix) Nineteen vignettes, average 25 by 25mm., ink drawings; xx) "A man stretched his mouth to its utmost extent" [cf page 134], 200 by 140mm., preparatory ink and pencil drawing; both unsigned, some spotting and light soiling

Exhibited: "Arthur Rackham - Illustrations Drawings and Watercolours" (Graves Art Gallery, Sheffield; Bristol City Art Gallery and Museum; Victoria and Albert Museum), December 1979 - April 1980, item 80 (first piece only)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The vignettes include Rackham's embellished capital letters  A, B, G, H, I, L, O, R, S, T and U. That for the letter I (reproduced on pp. 3 and 134) includes a self-portrait of the artist. Some of the vignettes are reused throughout the book (some as many as seven or eight times). The preparatory drawing is for the verse "There was an old woman called Nothing-at-all". Mother Goose - The Old Nursery Rhymes was published in 1913.