Artists Books

Only Norman Rockwell is in the same league with Frank Frazetta. He is the most talented fantasy illustrator of his generation, no one else comes close. His work easily qualitfies as Fine Art. His draftsmanship is so good it seems beyond human, like Michaelangelo. His sense of drama is so assured, each image is like something out of a classic movie or great legend. But everyone falls all over themselves praising Frazetta. This is the third book of his work, and is more for hardcore fans and collectors. Icon and Legacy contain his most famous works, but I love this one for the insights it gives into his techniques, and for the many sensitive and exquisite watercolor nudes he gave his wife on birthdays and anniversaries. I've seen the guy in person twice in my life, but I never said a word to him. Still, Frazetta has made me a better artist.

frank frazetta is an outstanding artist. i own this book and the entire death dealer series by james silke, whose cover is frazetta's death dealer. he is one of two of my favorite artist (the other is none other than todd lockwood). his life story is also amazing. this is a must have book for any beginners in art or just to pick up and thumb through. definitely buy this book

Frank Frazetta is not only the master of Fantasy art but one of the true fathers of todays artist (Vallejo, Mcfarlane, Hildebrant) his body of work has ranged from the early comic strips of the 50's , to the great interpretation of Fantasy heroes greatest, Tarzan, Conan, Kane and many others, but he has also created some of the most memorable images of the 20th century Sci-Fi and Fantsy art(Deathdealer and so on). This bookk ends a wonderful trilogy that started with Icon, and was followed by Legacy, those previous volumes introduced many to the great worlds depicted in Frazetta's paintings, this book is a treasure chest of less known but just as great works. True longtime fans of this great master will relish this additions to the already establish body of work. I urge all fans of the master to also visit his museum in Stroudsburg PA to view the original paintins in all their greatness.

This is a beautiful book, but the more famous Frazetta works are to be found in the two previous books of this trilogy. So this book is great for serious Frazetta fans, but "Icon" and "Legacy" are better books for showing the most famous of his works.

This book, "Testament," is good for showing more of his unpublished stuff. It has many Playboy-type girlie paintings and drawings, some western themes, and his paintings for TV Guide, for the "Battlestar Galactica" show, (which look nothing like the actual TV program, but stand as terrific space fantasy works). The personal photos are also a very nice insight into his life.

All three books in this trilogy cover work from his whole life, and explain his career moves, with slight variations and different guest commentary. The printing is nicely done, so you can enjoy studying the paintings on glossy, quality paper. These three books are very nice additions to your personal bookshelf library.

If you're new to Frazetta's work, I would just suggest that you start in order, with "Icon," and then "Legacy," where the more popular works are printed, to be able to appreciate and understand Frazetta's work and influence in proper perspective. "Testament" is more for the confirmed Frazetta fans.

Only Norman Rockwell is in the same league with Frank Frazetta. He is the most talented fantasy illustrator of his generation, no one else comes close. His work easily qualitfies as Fine Art. His draftsmanship is so good it seems beyond human, like Michaelangelo. His sense of drama is so assured, each image is like something out of a classic movie or great legend. But everyone falls all over themselves praising Frazetta. This is the third book of his work, and is more for hardcore fans and collectors. Icon and Legacy contain his most famous works, but I love this one for the insights it gives into his techniques, and for the many sensitive and exquisite watercolor nudes he gave his wife on birthdays and anniversaries. I've seen the guy in person twice in my life, but I never said a word to him. Still, Frazetta has made me a better artist.

One of the best David Hockney books.
A must have if you are interested in his photo montage method aka joiner method.

i had read it before and i just had to have it, its an amazing book even if you dont know david hockneys work, the book will make you fall in love with him and his art

I have been a fan of David Hockney's for many many years and was delighted to find this book. He writes in an understated, easy way about his art and about modern art in general.

Two of the sections were particularly interesting: "Art versus the Art World" and "The Power of Art".

In the book, Hockney explained how places and his personal experiences have influenced his art over the years. He talks about how he is incorporating photography into his work and feels that it is an artist's responsibility to be open to new forms of expression. He says he is an "artist who is always working". I think he is always experimenting too, with different methods of expressing his artistic vision.

He said he asssumes that if he is interested in painting something, others will be interested as well. I loved this viewpoint....in other words, he creates for himself.

This was a lovely book---especially all of the GORGEOUS color reproductions which traced the Hockney's evolution and his journeys.

Fortunately for us, Chronicle Books continues to grace the art bookstores with superb and affordable monographs on art that make a difference. In this completely enchanting, richly illustrated book David Hockney conducts a conversation with us, the reader, sharing his unique and genteel ideas on how he sees and hence composes the paintings and drawings and photographic montages and sets of operas that have so enriched the art world since he first began his long career.

Hockney's writing style is quietly warm, honest, clever, whimsical and very informed. In this truly magnificent volume he is sharing not only his forays into experimental art (his influences from Picasso, Bacon, and the many MANY illustrious friends who fill his life), he also allows us to understand why he experiments with photography (his explosive yet intimate collages of Polaroid rooms of conversing friends are unique to Hockney), his manner of viewing huge spaces and then parceling them onto paper or canvas in a manner that allows us to see vistas not available to the isolated glance, his still lifes, his sketches and portraits of studio visitors - the volume of work is staggering.

Another fine discussion revolves around is spectacular sets for opera (Tristan und Isolde, Turandot, The Magic Flute, A Rake's Progress, Die Frau Ohne Schatten) - these coming from an artist who is almost completely without hearing making music visual!

For all lovers of Hockney's work as well as for those who want to understand why he so very popular, this is one of the best introductions available about the man and his work! Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, July 06

This is an interesting book because it explains the discovery of ways of seeing, and in the process of explaining alters the way the reader sees art.

The challenge of pop art or abstract art is that to the uninitiated it seems gimmicky, and one often goes 'you've got to be kidding?' But with this wonderful exploration of the different ways that art and photography are ways of capturing a point of view, not a reproduction of a point of view. And more importantly, how Mr. Hockney comes to these expressions of point of view you get a glimpse of not only an interpretation of art, but the process of art. I love words and the essays are as magnificent as his art in their clarity and honesty. The section on his photo montages are amazing.

This book is much more than just a memoir about the author's life in Lindos on the Greek Island of Rhodes. It's more than just a collection of stories about the people whose paths he crossed. And it's more than an historical review how Lindos changed dramatically over the course of 35 years. The book is all those things, but what makes this book great is that it is, at it's core, an tale of adventure. By all accounts, Willard Manus has lived quite a remarkable life. He could have easily settled down in the US suburbs at any point along his journey (and this book is definitely about the journey of life). But instead Lindos kept calling to him, beckoning him to return. It's a story that will inspire anyone who has put his or her dreams on hold for whatever reason.

I think you'll get the most out of this book if you have actually visited the Greek Islands (perhaps Turkey too). Although I never went there until well after mass tourism had been embraced, I have experienced places that are as tranquil and unspoiled as the Lindos of the early 1960s as described by Manus, and also to places that have become as tacky and overcrowded as the Lindos of the late 1990s and beyond. It's a no-brainer for me to choose which I prefer, and I can only imagine what it must have been like for Manus to witness the profound changes that Lindos underwent.

But the point of the book is not to warn of the dangers of mass tourism or to criticize the way the people of Lindos responded to their newfound wealth. It is a wonderful lesson about the importance of following one's dreams and living the life that's waiting for you. And you can't top that.

The title itself explains a lot of the intentions of the author, which mainly consist of relating his experiences as an expatriate in the lovely town of Lindos on Rhodes Island.

What separates Willard Manus' book from others of the genre--such as The Island of the Second Vision by Albert Vigoleis Thelen, which relates Thelen's sometimes surreal experiences on Mallorca from the early '30s to the days of the Spanish civil war--is that Manus includes some juicy gossip about people who are in no way unknown, such as the Pink Floyd band, novelist Richard Hughes and film director Hans Geissendorfer.

The entire change the village, Greece and the world suffered from the early '60s to the late '80s can be experienced reading this book and this atmosphere of change can be felt chapter after chapter. The tone of the book subtly moves from the unencumbered times before the Greek dictatorship of the Junta to the wild times of flower power to the almost senseless times of the '80s .

Personally, I would have liked a less superficial way of dealing with the Greek folk culture and a cover that depicts a little more of the reality of the '90s in Lindos than the almost idyllic image from the late '70s. But this book makes a wonderful read!

Overall, I would say it is two thumbs up, and it is surely one of the few books that I have encountered that urged me to read it from cover to cover in one sitting.

- Alf B. Meier (This report first appeared in IslandMani...)

This book is witty, well-written and a joy to read. It accurately depicts both the joys and tribulations of living in Greece!! Buy a copy and head for any Greek island!!

Sandy Pappas

I bought the book whilst in Lindos in the summer of 2000, and i found it an entertaining, yet informative book about the village.

I had been to Lindos before and the stories in the book cease to amaze me, I know many of the characters personally and feel it is a great way to get to know the village better.

Overall it is a wonderful fusion, the characters set against the traditional Greek village life makes it a book for everyone, regardless of whether they have been to Lindos or not.

A candid insight into how Lindos on the island of Rhodes (Rhodos) grew to be what it is today.

The book is based on the experiences of the author over a 35-year association with Lindos, and provides marvellous detail of how a very typical, unspoilt Greek village became an icon for European mass tourism. But more than just a historical account, it provides a human element to the effects of change.

The characters and the interaction between the locals and the foreigners (some very famous) are described with great detail and sense of humour. Some of these encounters are quite outrageous and need to be read.

Willard Manus has included many personal details of the events that shaped the lives of himself and his family, and these are very touching at times.

The commentary relating to Greek and world events that occurred during the period covered by the book is written in such a way that it links these events with the lives of local people and close associates of the author.

Whilst entertaining, 'This Way to Paradise - Dancing on the Tables' is also touched by sadness both for the individuals described in the book and for the way that Lindos changed.

I first discovered the book on sale in Lindos Library (which bizarrely doubles up as a Laundromat!) during one of my many visits to the village. I found it fascinating and enjoyed reading every page.

If you have never visited Lindos then this book should wet your appetite. But if you are a regular visitor and have fallen in love with the place, the book should answer many of the questions that will have arisen in your mind.

Gospel stars are not born in Heaven -- they are made through the trials they face on Earth. These are real people who sing this glorious music--and they have overcome many personal problems to get where they are at. This book makes us feel that if we surrender to the Lord we can get to a very high place.

If you haven't read about Pastor shirley, you need to. she has come along way. She is my Idol. I look up to her. She is really a blessed woman with a very big and loving heart. I can't wait to meet her.

This book is Soul Good! Its encouraging, informative, and inspirational. I enjoyed this book so much I bought copies for all my friends.

the behind the scene lives of many 'famous' in the gospel industry gives hope to christians who struggle in life and are judged. they share real stories.

Gospel music's greats talk about the spiritual setbacks in their lives and how God entered the picture to point them in the right direction.

CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, John Kee -- you name the star and here is their behind-the-scenes story of spiritual strife and struggle. A very, very inspirational read for lovers of Gospel music!

Tragic Kingdom: The Art of Camille Rose Garcia is the most beautiful art book I've seen in a long time. Not only are her paintings amazing, but every ten or fifteen pages are pages that look like thicker tracing paper with sketches on them. I love the art in this book so much that I got one of the owls tattooed on my arm. Camille Rose Garcia is one of my favorite artists, and if you like her art or want to see something new check out this book.

Oh hell, this girl rocks a lot, Camille is just so deep in her art, it is so beautifull, i wish i could go to a museum with her exposition some day! Her art is simply superb, the world she created is amazing. Great book. One of my favorites.

Wow! Someone was in the mood to show off when this book was being put together. I love the sketches that are included on the translucent pages. But why oh why do so many of my books from Amazon look as if the have been tumbled in a clothes dryer for an hour or so before they get to my door? This one has a slit across the back cover. Looks like it has been in a knife fight.

This book is absolutely beautiful. I bought it for my daughter, as one of her birthday gifts and she loved it. It was delivered still wrapped in original shrink-wrap so it stayed protected. The book itself is well made, with nice thick paper and several pages done in heavy vellum. I am considering buying a copy for myself. I really enjoyed finding out more about the artist (in the back of the book) too. She is a true talent!

This book is a delight to have! I am broke now but I don't care because CRG work is inspiring and visually invigorating. I believe though, you really have to see her work in person to get the full experience! I can't wait to see where she goes in the art world.

The next best thing if you weren't able to make it to this record-breaking exhibition in Washington and Los Angeles. This book, an overview of the exhibition, is an extremely thorough and interesting overview of the 70 works on display. But it's more than that. I was very impressed with Richard Kendall's commentary in the book. Not only is this a comprehensive and thoughtful look at the "Van Gogh's Van Goghs" exhibition, it's also an excellent look at Van Gogh's life and career--period. I might have expected this--this major exhibition was superb and this catalogue is a worthy companion. Exhibition or not, this book is first-rate.

I have this book and I am so glad ,I discovered it. I am, a painter,and have always been influenced by Van Goghs work. However most of the books I own do not have very good quality , printing .This book however is excellent! It is very close to , standing in front of the original painting. I would recomend this book to anyone that loves Van Gogh. I am so proud to make this book a part of my art library. Get it while you can!!

Vincent van Gogh is the artist who I feel I relate to most on a personal level. His demons are my demons. His yearning to some day find "the right girl" is my yearning. His spiritual faith in God is my spiritual faith. His weaknesses are my weaknesses. His strengths are my strengths. I'm very fond of van Gogh. He made many mistakes, including getting involved in a doomed love affair with a prostitute, or how he cut off his earlobe in a fit of anguish. Well, okay, I identify with him but that's something I've never been tempted to do haha. Vincent was a troubled and tormented and deeply under-appreciated artist in his day, only managing to sell one or two paintings in his life. Now he is among the very most popular. His works sell for many millions, even minor works.

David Rehak
author of "Love and Madness"

Interest in Van Gogh heightened with Hollywood movie with Kirk Douglas an Hollywood actor. My mother has a wood painting of sunflowers (l6) and she asked that we research this for her, it has numerous local newspaper clippings taped to the back, which raises even more questions. It is signed Vincent? I saw a one man narrative of Van Gogh's life depicted by his brother Theo, Actor: Jim Jarrett called Vincent. It was much informative of the letters Vincent wrote to Theo. . This enlightened one as to Vincent's odd behavior. Vincent the man. Mr.Kendall, if possible please cooresponde back. My sister is also in contact with you. Thank you for reading this message and any redirect would be appreciated.

One of the best pieces that I ever read explaining paintings along the different periods which were passed by Van Gogh. Also, it gives a complete ride through his life and personality.

This is a really great book. I have been a real fan of Vaughan Oliver's work ever since I bought a dusty Colourbox 12 inch in a record store in Michigan in like 6th grade. He has maintained a consistent edge in his graphic sensibilities for longer than any other designer I can think of. His prolific work for the 4AD label in the UK is unparalleled in the current design world. And his subsequent companies 23 envelope and v23 have been hugely influential in the design community for almost 2 decades now.

What remains constant is his connection to the text and image work of the early 20th century avante-garde designers of russia, germany and france. he has a great slant on using image and text in a way that creates depth and bold contrasts. his work can be both blindingly graphic and casually beautiful, almost simultaniously.

this book represents an entire career of his work for 4AD, including album covers, promotional materials, poster artwork, and also an overview of many of his other clients, many of which have also shared his sensibilities in design, and allowed each project to both compliment his previous body of work, but also mark out some new creative statements. Its really a great source of inspiration for designers, and music lovers alike!

If you like 4AD - you'll like the book. If you like music - you'll like the book. If you like 4AD's music - you may not like Mr. Oliver, but you'll love the book.

If you know design AND happen to be a discriminating music lover, you almost certainly know who Vaughan Oliver is. This pioneering founder of 23 Envelope (later v23) collaborated with 4AD records in the UK since 1981 to help launch the careers and identities of such seminal acts as Cocteau Twins, Pixies, the Breeders, Modern English, Throwing Muses, The Wolfgang Press, His Name Is Alive and many others (Oliver rarely worked with Dead Can Dance--4AD's most successful act). "Visceral Pleasures," which should fit nicely on your shelf next to Oliver's other monograph "This Rimy River," explores more than just his record sleeve work. We get a look at Oliver's more broad career and background as a graphic designer, and get some great inside information and insight into his process and the experience of working with 4AD and its artists. It goes without saying that this book is gorgeously produced and a beautiful thing simply to hold in your hands.

I recently purchased this book after months and months of waiting. When I heard that a book was to be published about Vaughan Oliver and his wonderful career thus far in graphic design, I just couldn't wait. After all the wait, I am happy to say that I am quite pleased with the content of this book.

Unlike the last book, 'This Rimy River' which was a catalogue of all his work 1988-1994, this book contains a good balance of text and pictures. The text, which was lacking in other books, gives an in-depth look at Vaughan Oliver and his history of design. The pictures are beautiful especially the new ones that were made especially for this book.

Many designers will enjoy all the older pieces found throughout the book while there are many samples of his more recent work. This book is a definite must since many of his previous books are hard to find and out of print.

The book itself is a testament to Vaughn's design skills. It is elegantly crafted, with a classic and subtle typographic style which complements the overall clean book layout. This creates a subtle visual landscape which allows the actual works being shown within it's pages to burst out and demand notice. It speaks of Oliver's ability to subjugate his own ego and serve the message.

After flipping through the book in it's entirety, one gains the proper perspective regarding the magnitude of Oliver's impact on the 4AD brand. His is the visual expression of the sound which has come to be associated with the bands on this label. 4AD itself is more than just a label, it is the product of one man's dedication to independant music. Together, Oliver and the people which make up 4AD, struck that creative chord which can't be formulated. It was a matter of the right people at the right time getting together and playing off of each other artistically, to create a visual and audio brand which is still viable today. Creative relationships of that sort don't happen often, and when they do, it almost always furthers the medium, as evidenced here.

Vaughn Oliver's work has influenced an entire generationf of designers who most likely discovered his work through their love of the music on the 4AD label. The book does an amzing job of "telling the tale." It not only showcases Oliver's works, but provides a visual and textual history of his relationship with 4AD. Rick Poyner is a long time writer of the design business and design in general, making him the perfect choice to tell this tale.

For most of us in the design realm who listened to these bands in high school and college, this book is a record of the soundtrack and "visualtrack" of that particular time in our lives. And, for those who are just getting familar with Oliver's work, this book does a great job of giving the appropriate amount of textual and visual information to form a portrait of one of design's most influencial and innovative figures.

..in fact, in my entire library, one of the best. I read it before viewing the exhibition. The facsimiles of the letters are as good as seeing them in person. Art and letter lovers alike will cherish this book!

The 22 letters written by Van Gogh to French painter Emile Bernard, in which he almost exclusively discusses the subject of painting with a fellow artist, are the subject of this beautiful volume which accompanies an exhibition of the letters at the Pierpont Morgan library in NYC. Each of the letters is reproduced through a high-quality facsimile and also translated into English. Many works Van Gogh alludes to in those letters are also reproduced and every letter is carefully annotated which helps the reader understand the many references the artist cites as sources of inspiration to his work.

This is a groundbreaking publication that gives the reader invaluable insights into Van Gogh thoughts and working methods and comes as a perfect complement to the already published correspondence of the artist with his brother and dealer Theo. The letters to Bernard are more spontaneous because there were written by an artist to another artist and the introduction of the book explains this very well.

Highly recommended.

As a writer, I found this book very much of a revelation. Why? Simply put, Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, 1853-1890) was a prolific writer of letters. He wrote hundreds of brilliant letters to fellow artists, friends and his brother, Theo. Much of a persons character, thoughts, likes and dislikes, loves and hates, fears and loneliness can be found in letters. Both the darkness and the light of the soul come through in personal letters as they are often inner directed as much as directed to the receiver.

Many of these letters tell the story of life. They give us a glimpse of the ideas behind his art. They seem to prove that he was very much in his right mind and that he was not suffering from any sort of mental disability as some have thought.

The letters written to the French painter, Emile Bernard (1868-1941), who was twenty-years-old in 1888, are of great significance. In these, the artists share ideas when van Gogh was working in Arles in the South of France.

This is a very fine work. It's interesting reading and seems to bring the characters to life.

Highly recommended.

- Susanna K. Hutcheson

A friend of many Impressionists, Vincent van Gogh stands alone among artists, beloved, admired and respected by millions. While many of his paintings are familiar to us, this beautiful volume offers insights into his thinking, his cretaive process, and his life. The letters presented herein were written between December 1887 and November 1889 to his younger friend and colleague, Emile Bernard. These epistles are priceless as they focus to a great extent on artistic questions and, at the same time reveal a man blessed with a unique style and plagued by doubts.

Letters in this volume are numbered from 1 to 22. Facsimiles of all are presented. With these we are privy to the artist's apparent disregard for apostrophes and his cavalier use of capital letters. A joy and privilege to see the writing in his own script, complete with drawings and crossed out words.

Following the facsimiles one finds the letters printed in the original French along with transcriptions. Also included are generous full color reproductions of paintings by van Gogh and Bernard, many of which are discussed in the epistles as van Gogh both criticized and praised the younger artist. What comes through very clearly in the correspondence is the depth of friendship the two men shared.

Van Gogh's last letter was written mere months before he took his own life.
Vincent van Gogh Painted with Words is a volume to be read, reread, studied, and treasured. It contributes immeasurably to our understanding of this troubled genius.

Highly recommended.

- Gail Cooke

An excellent addition to the library of anyone with a serious interest in Vincent van Gogh, or for that matter Emile Bernard.

In 1996 I enjoyed reading the selected letters of van Gogh, a gifted writer, in a book edited by Ronald De Leeuw. This current effort has a more narrow focus but is greatly enhanced by the fine selection of accompanying artwork. The explanatory chapter notes are superb.

Its editors and the Morgan Library should win prizes for this scholarly work.

I first heard about this book almost fifteen years ago and then it was out of print. I was thrilled to locate a copy after all these years and the wait has been worth it! Entertaining stories and fun to read about the history of old Uncle Scrooge!

What a find this was when I purchased it as a teen. This large format book (it's pretty heavy)contains 12 full-color classic Carl Bark's stories of the adventures of Uncle Scrooge, printed on thick high quality paper. Includes biographical info on Bark's, plus background on the origin and development of each story provided by Bark's himself. Also includes some restored pages that were lost or deleted from original comics, a checklist of Bark's duck stories, and a never-before published Bark's "storybook" Uncle Scrooge adventure with great watercolor illustrations.

This is a fantastic book, covering Scrooge McDuck's life from his days in the Klondike to space travel and flying saucers. The book contains many of my favorite stories including "The Second Richest Duck" and "Land of the Pygmy Indians". There is extensive written material about and by Carl Barks giving much insight into the man behind the duck. Finally, there is a checklist of the comics in which Uncle Scrooge appeared from 1952 to 1988. All in all, this book is a "must-have" for any serious fan of Uncle Scrooge.

I am writing this within just a few days of one of the saddest days any comic book fan could imagine. Carl Barks has just passed on to that great Duckburg in the sky. This book is, without a doubt, the definitive tribute to a man whose genius is just now being recognized by many.

As you read these outstanding adventure stories - and that's what they are - you will come to know the technique of how this extraordinary man transcended the comic art into the realm of high fiction. Each story is written on two levels, sprinkled with humor and illustrated in such a realistic, yet exaggerated manner that allows the reader to identify strongly with the characters.

My personal favorite is "The Second Richest Duck." In this story, Scrooge, Donald and "the boys" have their true personalities come out with a richness found only in the best writings of major adventure authors and is the equal, at least, to the best Indiana Jones or James Bond story.

I read these stories to my son as he was growing up and promised him the book for his future children. My daughters now each have their own families and the stories are now read by me to my grandchildren. Truly, this tome is part of our family heritage.

I own the hardcover, coffee table edition with a signed, numbered print by Barks. I shall never part with the print, and will hand it down to my son in my estate.

Thank you Carl, for many hours of delicious reading pleasure and the exercise of my imagination. If I could rate this book an infinite number of stars, I would.

One of the best collections of comic art ever published, this superlative volume not only takes eleven of Carl Barks' best book-length Scrooge adventures, adds an original story and includes his own comments on each, but Peter Ledger's recoloring makes these stories look better than they ever have or ever will. The only flaw with the volume is that it will send you into a frenzy to read more about Scrooge...but thankfully, Gladstone Comics has all the stories still in print. Simply superb.

Angus McBride is one of the most talented artists in the historical field, and his pieces always rise above mere illustrations and give us snapshots of these people in believable, historical settings. His people aren't just modeling uniforms or equipment, they are caught mid-action, alive, and vibrantly. This is a good collection, though I'd kill for a more complete gathering of McBride's work. If you like this, try to track down the Iron Crown collection of his Middle-Earth work. head and shoulders above everyone else in that field, much like here.

No matter what the subject is of the book, I have to get it if McBride is the illustrator. You can consistantly count on him to do a 1st rate job. This book is well worth the cash as Mr. McBride is on a roll in this book of his.

I have been waiting for a large format compellation of Angus McBride's art for some time now. Finally, Warriors and Warlords is here. The only disappoinment is the book's brevity. Fans of McBride's contributions to the Osprey books will enjoy this single volume spanning his career and the bredth of his subject matter. The man has an unmistakable approach to his subjects. What really makes this book a gem is the interview with McBride, where he gives much advice about technique and materials. Some of the unforgettable illustrations in this book include: a gladiator about to administer the coup de grace; a forlorn scene of doomed Vikings making their last stand; a triumphant Celtic chariot crew; Shaka Zulu and his men making a bloodthirsty charge. This artist is expert at capturing period costume yet giving his subjects timeless humanity. His evocative use of light makes him seem less like an illustrator and more like a Great Master. And let's not forget the ubiquitous carrion circling overhead, awaiting the carcass of the loser. This book is not to be missed. Hopefully Osprey will get wise and publish many follow ups.

Mr. McBride's books are always eagerly awaited because of the chance to see another chapter in history spring to life. This large volume of his efforts is highly appreciated. The richness of the textures, the glint of armour, the absolutely wonderful facial expressions are all here. The chance to view a number of his background effects is always welcome. He makes the figures truly part of the earth. I also enjoy his scenes against the white of the page. They are simple but show off the figure in a most dramatic way. This is a wondrous book...highly recommended.

If you are a fan of Howard Pyle, N. C. Wyeth and similar artists you will love this book! It is great value for the money.

No doubt about it, Angus McBride is a master illustrator. And this great HC-book proves it (although it's a shame there are just 45 plates...). The paperbacks at Osprey Publishing are nice, but to be honest, their color reproductions of Angus' illustrations are not really good. Here the depth of colors used, the shadow-play both in lights and tissues, finally come out. It is clasic illustration at it's very best. The plates (often double-spread) show battle scenes and posed images of warriors from the ancient times /Rameses II) until WWII (only one). Each plate is accompanied by a well written text on either the scene as it occurred or the uniforms and arms on display. As a reader you get to travel through Egypt, Greece, Babylon, Rome, European Middle Ages, Japan, Africa, Middle America as the ancient times come alive in front of your very eyes. Marvellous!!! What I like most about Mr. McBride's work is that he took the time and trouble to create "true" scenes that really could have taken place. As much as I also admire the Funckens' work, this makes you be there and makes you want to know more about history. In the foreword Angus tels us a little bit about his work, techniques and career.
This book isn't just for people interested in uniforms. It's a wonderful starting point for anybody interested in classic illustration and history. Even when you think you know it all. Here you can relive what you might have forgotten.