Der Orchideengarten: Phantastiche Blatter [The Orchid-Garden: Fantastic Pages] Magazine

Munich: Dreilander Verlag, 1919-1920. Collection of 38 issues of the landmark Weimar-era periodical highlighting fantasy, horror, and early science fiction stories. Text in German.

One of the world's first fantasy periodicals, (alongside the Swedish "Hugin") "Der Orchideengarten" featured a mix of new German stories alongside translations of foreign literature (largely French), including works by Victor Hugo, Guy de Maupassant, Voltaire, Charles Dickens, Edgar Allan Poe, Joseph Capek, H.G. Wells, and many others. The magazine also made forays into the proto-science fiction genre, as seen in Vol. 2 No. 4, entitled "Phantastik der Technik."

A true product of the Weimar era's cultural blossoming, the magazine also features stunning illustrations both with its two- and three-color cover art and its woodcut reproductions throughout: sinister yet elegant visions of anthropomorphic flowers, religious idols, Grim Reapers, and gory deaths. "Der Orchideengarten" featured the work of Gustave Dore, Otto Linnekogel, Karl Ritter, Alfred Kubim, Carl Rabus, Otto Nuckel, and many more.

This archive contains the following largely sequential issues: Vol.1, Nos.1-18 (16 and 17 published as a combined issue); Vol.2, Nos.1-6, 8, 10-16, 18-24.

9 x 12 inches, saddle stapled. Very Good to Near Fine condition. In a custom quarter leather clamshell box.

[Book #140553]