1927 First Edition of The Three-Cornered Hat by Pedro Antonio de Alarcón – Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Title: The Three-Cornered Hat
Author: Pedro Antonio de Alarcón
Illustrator/Artist: Norman Tealby
Genre: Classic Fiction / Satire / Spanish Literature
Edition: First English Edition (1927)
Publisher: Gerald Howe Ltd., London

Step into the vibrant, sun-drenched landscapes of 18th-century Andalusia with this brilliant satirical classic. Adapted from a traditional folk ballad, The Three-Cornered Hat follows the clever miller Lucas and his fiercely loyal, beautiful wife, Seño Frasquita. Their peaceful life at the mill is upended when the lecherous, duplicitous town magistrate—distinguished by his authoritative three-cornered hat—concocts a plot to seduce Frasquita. What unfolds is a fast-paced comedy of moonlight flits, complex clothes-swapping, mistaken identity, and slapstick errors that lampoons the abuse of municipal power.

This 1927 edition from London publisher Gerald Howe introduced Alarcón’s work to English-speaking audiences, rendered by translator Martin Armstrong. Beyond its humorous narrative, this edition stands out for exceptional color illustrations and a theatrical pace full of unmaskings and sharp wit.

Author Pedro Antonio de Alarcón (1833 – 1891): A 19th-century Spanish novelist, journalist, and poet whose works captured the customs, folklore, and spirit of his native region of Andalusia. Born in Guadix near Granada, Alarcón originally studied law and theology before finding his true calling in the literary world. He achieved his initial wave of success as a volunteer in the Moroccan campaign of 1859–1860, transforming his combat experiences into the patriotic and vivid account Diario de un Testigo de la Guerra de África (Diary of a Witness). Best known for his 1874 novella El Sombrero de Tres Picos (The Three-Cornered Hat), his storytelling was so rhythmic and alive that it served as the direct basis for Hugo Wolf’s opera Der Corregidor and Manuel de Falla's legendary 1919 ballet. Alarcón also authored highly debated social works like El Escándalo (The Scandal) alongside numerous travel journals and essays.

Artist Norman Tealby (1885 – 1951): British illustrator and translator celebrated for his distinctive graphic style during the interwar printing boom. He earned critical acclaim for his illustrative treatments of classic satire, notably his artwork for the works of Voltaire—including a landmark version of Candide which he co-translated alongside the poet Richard Aldington. Tealby’s aesthetic is recognizable for its sophisticated mix of fine pen and ink work balanced by broad brush and ink wash techniques. His character compositions suit the theatrical nature of Alarcón's farce, elevating the 1927 Gerald Howe edition into a visual treasure for collectors of early 20th-century book art.

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Condition*: Very Good. Missing dust jacket. Black cloth cover boards: Embossed floral pattern on front cover, gold lettering on spine; small white spot on front; light fading on spine and edges; corners lightly bumped; light shelf wear. Howe published the book both with and without gilding the floral pattern. Textblock: Stained gray on top edge; deckled edges on fore edge and bottom. Color illustrations are laid in, and complete. Pages are clean, complete, and undamaged.