The Pied Piper of Hamelin is a tale concerning the mysterious disappearance of a great number of children from a town in Lower Saxony, Germany - originating in the Middle Ages. This particular version (in the form of a children's poem) is penned by Robert Browning (1812 - 1889), an English playwright and lyricist whose mastery of dramatic verse made him one of the foremost Victorian poets. As a testament to both Browning's skill and the stunning illustrations of Arthur Rackham, this book has remained in print since its original publication. The edition of The Pied Piper of Hamelin is accompanied throughout by a series of dazzling colour and black and white illustrations - by the master of the craft; Arthur Rackham (1867-1939). One of the most celebrated painters of the British Golden Age of Illustration (which encompassed the years from 1850 until the start of the First World War), Rackham's artistry is quite simply, unparalleled. Throughout his career, he developed a unique style, combining haunting humour with dream-like romance. Presented alongside the text, his illustrations further refine and elucidate Browning's captivating text.