An Experiment with St. George 1939 1st Dunne Illus. Child's Fantasy Rojankovsky
 
An Experiment with St. George By J. W. Dunne (1939 First Edition)
Illustrated by F. Rojankovsky
Children’s Fantasy: St. George and the Dragon
 
Book Description
An Experiment with St. George is a 1939 first edition children’s fantasy novel by J. W. Dunne, beautifully illustrated by F. Rojankovsky. Inspired by the enduring legend of St. George and the Dragon, this book blends adventure, myth, imagination, and gentle humour, creating a compelling narrative for young readers and collectors alike.
Rojankovsky’s expressive illustrations vividly bring to life scenes of dragons, knights, heroic quests, and magical encounters, making this a charming example of WWII illustrated children’s fantasy literature. First published just months after the outbreak of the Second World War, this title carries both literary and historical significance.
Published by Faber and Faber, this work represents an unusual entry in Dunne’s bibliography, as he is otherwise remembered for philosophical and scientific writing, making this children’s fantasy novel particularly interesting and collectible.
 
About the Author – J. W. Dunne
J. W. Dunne (1875–1949) was a British aeronautical engineer and philosopher, best known for his work on time and consciousness. He authored a range of scientific, philosophical, and literary works, including An Experiment with Time, which influenced both scientific and literary circles in the early 20th century. 
 
About the Illustrator – F. Rojankovsky
Feodor (F.) Rojankovsky (1891–1970) was a distinguished Russian-born artist and illustrator who became renowned for his expressive and whimsical drawings. A significant figure in early 20th-century illustration, Rojankovsky worked in both Europe and the United States and won acclaim for his vibrant style. His work in this edition enhances the narrative with visual charm and period character.
 
Bibliographic Details
Title: An Experiment with St. George
Author: J. W. Dunne
Illustrator: F. Rojankovsky
Publisher: Faber & Faber Limited, London
Date: First published November 1939
Pages: 230
Format: Illustrated children’s fantasy novel
Genre: Children’s mythology & fantasy / St. George & the Dragon retelling
 
Genre & Themes
Children’s fantasy literature
Dragon and knight legend retellings
Mythology-inspired storytelling
Heroic quest narrative
Illustrated adventure fiction
 
Illustrations
Includes:
illustrated frontispiece
illustrated title page
multiple full-page and in-text illustrations throughout
expressive character and dragon imagery
Artist F. Rojankovsky was a prolific children’s illustrator noted for:
dynamic motion
bold character expression
medieval and folklore subjects
 
Exterior Condition
Orange cloth boards and spine
Gilt titling to spine with small illustration
No dust jacket
Spine cloth lightly faded
Light marks to boards
Soft bumping to corners
Tiny tear near tail of spine
Structurally robust and secure
 
Interior Condition
Pages lightly tanned
Bottom edges roughly cut
Occasional very small edge tears from rough cutting (do not affect text)
Very tidy internal appearance overall
No pen or pencil inscriptions
Very light gutter crack at pp. 176–177 (minor and stable)
Pages firmly held
All 230 pages present and accounted for
 
Size & Weight
Dimensions: 22.2 × 16.7 × 2.8 cm
Weight: 605 grams