Masters of American Illustration: 41 Illustrators & How They Worked [Rilegato]

I have a fairly large art history book collection and this text is without question one of the best. It is sumptuously illustrated with more than 400 illustrations on slick paper. The diversity of styles is well presented and Mr. Taraba provides insight biographies and information on the creative process. This is the kind of book that, if you put it out where others can see it, they will pick it up and quickly become immersed in the colorful artwork within. A great tribute to these artists and a great treat to those of us who appreciate their work.

It's the words '...and how they worked' in the title that should convince you to get this book. As Taraba reveals in his Intro the forty-one articles originally appeared in 'Step-by-step graphics' magazine. The copy is basically unchanged though another fifty illustrations have been added to those that appeared in the magazine.

This is wonderful collection of illustrators, their work and nicely, looking back historically to some work produced before 1900. In fact there are plenty of artists from the distant past I was not too familiar with. What I think makes this book a cut above the rest is the way extra material has been included. So, not just a copy of a particular piece of art but frequently a rough sketch or model shots that helped the artist get it right. The cherry on top of the cake for me was showing how the art appeared in print. There are magazine spreads with the headlines and text, complete ads, magazine covers plus the logo and headlines. All this gives many of the images extra credence rather than just a picture of a painting divorced from why and where it was commissioned.

A fabulous book and I wonder if they'll a second volume? There surely must be another forty-one artists and their working methods whose work needs exposure. If there is another book I would like to suggest that a slightly thinner paper is used. Apart from that I thought this was a five star plus book.

###LOOK AT SOME INSIDE PAGES by clicking 'customer images' under the cover.

First of all, this is a thick book! It does not appear that way from the photos, but it is. It is also heavy.
The quality of the illustrations is wonderful. They are printed on a nice heavy stock paper, and each and every one
is great. The short biography of each illustrator is interesting and gives a nice insight into not only their
personality but also their beginning in illustration and their accomplishments. I truly enjoyed this book and have
tried to force myself to slowly go through each story, but it is hard since I want to read about the next one
as much as the preceding one. For anyone in the artfield, or just a person that appreciates great illustration,
I think you will enjoy this book as much as I have. It is certainly worth every single cent paid.