Illustration Books

Among the most enjoyable books of my experience. Just the high quality reproduction of the covers would make this a great book. Add to that a fantastic presentation! Amazingly done.
A richly savory festival of imagination, creativity, insight(cultural, sociological, philosophical, etc.) and, of course, delightful humor and splendiferous transcendental artwork. Lots of charming tidbits including photos, extra art reproductions, etc.
Thanks Frank and The Usual Gang for this inundation of funshine and good cheer!

If there are better sight gags than those on the cover of Mad magazine, then I have yet to see them. This book is a collection of the first 400 covers and some of them had me hysterical with laughter. My favorite was the one where Alfred is holding a hard taco shell behind a Mexican dog that is straining mightily. Others were just as funny, although some did require explanation. The producers of the magazine were not above applying a little duplicity when creating the covers.
The only drawback for younger readers will be that knowledge of the current events of the time is a precondition if you are to get the joke. For example, some covers feature political figures, and if you don't know anything about them, the joke is lost. Other covers are spoofs of hit movies of the time, so the explanatory captions are a welcome addition. Having lived through those times, I understood most of them, but there were a few times when I didn't understand the joke until I read the caption.
This book is very funny and you cannot help but be impressed by the quality of the artwork and the zany intelligence that went into the covers of Mad. The producers of Mad constantly lampooned themselves as idiots, but they were without question geniuses.

this book is well designd and gives all the information about the covers over the years, including notes about the spacial covers.
i highly recomand this book to any mad reader.

I loved this book , mostly because Im a mad magazine FAN!!! BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! GREAT BOOK

The first copy of Mad I saw was issue 29 in September 1956 (still got it too) and I was hooked. How could a magazine be so funny and be so spot-on with its satire? Easy, just employ the `usual gang of idiots' that's how. I kind of grew out of it when I discovered the National Lampoon, how could a magazine be so funny etc, etc. But I have always had a soft spot for Mad and this book of covers is a super addition to my back issues and other Mad books.

All 399 (up to November 2000) covers are in this well designed and printed book Mostly one or two covers to a page sometimes with Frank Jacobs' commentary and with a lot of the latter covers you get to see the preliminary cover roughs. As the years go by you can see how the covers changed from simple visual gags into ones that are much more graphic and busy because they have to work harder on the newsstand. The ideas are still very funny after all these years though. My favorite is issue 35 (October 1957) a wraparound that celebrated the fifth anniversary with a great painting from Norman Mingo showing a few dozen very famous American merchandising characters seated round a dining table, Alfred's at one end grinning. I would love this as a poster.

I think it is worth mentioning for Mad fans the seven CD-ROM `Totally Mad' set, every page from the issue one thru to December 1998, the interface is very user friendly and the discs have a lot of additional aural and visual surprises.

BTW, Robert Silver's photmosaic book cover, made up from the magazines covers, is stunning.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

This rendition of Sleeping Beauty is delicious to the eye. I purchased the book specifically for the art work. KY Craft is fast becoming one of my favorite artists and the children's books she has illustrated are pieces of art that I return to look at again and again.

The story line is well loved.... and it is a pleasure reading a delightfully familiar & wonderfully illustrated fairytale as a 'maturing' grown up! CJ

This book is beautiful. I'm so happy that my daughter is the one that told me about it. The artwork is worth the price in everyway. Of course, Sleeping Beauty is a story that no one ever gets tired of. By all means add this one to your library.

This is a simply gorgeous book. Kinuko Y. Craft is such a magnificent illustrator. All of her images are detailed, delicate, and deep.

Beautifully written and illustrated, it makes a perfect bedtime story. You will also get distracted by the artwork: it could tell the story without the words.

I have long been a fan of ms. Crafts illustrations. They are breathtakingly beautiful from a distance, and full of interesting and fantastic details upon closer examination. This book is no exception, and takes the classic story of the enchanted Princess Aurora, setting the tale in a romantic fantasy kingdom, with the artwork combining rennaisance, high baroque and modern artistic styles.

There are no words to describe how talented Craft is at capturing beauty, you must see it for yourself.

Street Smart Advertising is a great book. I used it for one of my classes and it really helped me to improve my creative thinking and execution. This book includes many visual and real-life examples, which makes it really easy to understand. Such as the changing ads that are placed atop NYC taxi cabs. This book covers everything, from A-Z, that one needs to know in the creative field. Berman also included a handy advertising glossary. I recommend this book to anyone who is in the creative field or longs to tap into their creative potential.

This book has all the bases covered. From mind exercises to amazing campaigns, Street Smart Advertising gives creatives the tools needed to take their ideas to the next level. When sitting stumped and uninspired this is the book to turn to in order to get those juices flowing. It may sound like I'm really talking it up, but it has prevented me from throwing my laptop, quiting my job, or basically giving up thinking all together. Perhaps I've gone to far, but trust me...this is a good one.

Margo Berman's enthusiasm and expertise for creativity and advertising really shine through on every page of this book. As someone who is very knowedgable about marketing but not so much about advertising, this book really added to my knowledge. It has served as a great resource over and over again. If you are interested in reading it front cover to back page, you can and you will learn much from the real-life "street smart" examples. The exercises help you apply the information. However what I find most useful about the book is that each chapter stands up by itself. I read the material and do the exercises and really feel I understand the material. It is like a mini-course in each chapter. Thanks again Margo for providing so much of you in this book!

Street-Smart Advertising features great tips and fun pointers which can be applied first-hand to the real world, or more specifically, the world of Advertising. It makes one believe the unthinkable is thinkable. The hands-on exercises lets you apply it to real life in the most creative and unimaginable way. Berman's book is an informative pocket guide that is straight-forward, easy to read, understand and most importantly, apply to the real world. I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling a lack of creativity; this book will let all the ideas your brain never knew you had shine through in the most creative and entertaining ways possible.

Street-Smart Advertising offers invaluable insight and expertise into the world of creative advertising. An interesting read from beginning to end, it expresses the ins and outs of advertising through understandable diction and useful tips on how to get the most out of the industry. From creative and interesting advertising examples to helpful exercises, Street-Smart Advertising is a must for anybody interested in learning more about the creative, fun side of advertising. One of the most fun and perceptive books I've read on the subject to date.

When I first laid eyes on this charming book I knew that we had to have it for our library. Scott Franson's illustrations are expressive, masterfully rendered and magical. Our kids love discovering the story and find new elements every time they look at the pictures. The idea is fresh and fun, and the message empowering. You will not be disappointed with this lovely little gem of a book!

Un-Brella is a delightful little picture book. Scott does a wonderful job telling the story without writing a single word. I have seen some of Scott's other work and personally own some of his illustrations. I would highly recommend this book for children and parents to enjoy together.

This book is delightfully whimsical, very clever story and it has the best artwork I've seen in a long time. I'm looking forward to the next book from this author/illustrator.

This book is a visual delight! The author is a graphics design professor and he definitely knows his stuff. The story is completely visual, with absolutely no text, and my kids (ages 5 & 6) continually get a thrill out of "reading" it out loud to me. The gist of the story is that a little girl has a special umbrella that creates weather under it that is the opposite of the actual weather -- so she wears a swimsuit in the snow and makes a sunny path of green grass and flowers wherever she walks, etc., etc. It's simultaneously gorgeous and cute.

This is a charming and clever picture book that reaches many ages for many reasons. In each scene, you can look for the daisy or daisies that are sometimes hard to find (even inside the front cover!). All the many drawn snowflakes are actually different. The story plot line unfolds easily and imaginatively as the little girl uses her magical unbrella to make the weather she wants, where she wants it and when she wants it. The art work is really beautiful.

This is a great book and really explains how to layout a picture book. Since my college education never taught me how to do this, this is a wonderful book to have.

This is the book you have been looking for. I've purchased a number of other books about children's publishing, but this one has more wisdom and more real technique than any of them.

The title might make you think this book is about illustrating children's books. Yes, an illustrator can get a graduate degree from the material here. But the title doesn't really do the book justice, because Shulevitz covers both writing and illustration. He covers both topics together, showing how the text and the pictures move a story forward to a satisfactory conclusion. Quoting from the book (p.29):

"When the actor-stage relationship is clear, when the picture code is consistent, when the progression is appropriate to the action, the picture sequence will 'speak' to the reader. The more clearly the picture sequence speaks, the more enjoyment the reader will be able to get from it. And giving a feeling of satisfaction is essential in children's books."

This book has literally hundreds of example illustrations and text excerpts. Most are pencil and ink sketches, but don't be fooled: the author created most of them specifically to illustrate this book. They do a great job.

I'm done gushing. If you are interested in this topic, buy the book. You won't be disappointed.

As a 'gallery' artist moving more into illustration, I needed a text that really told me how to illustrate- what makes books different to gallery works, the psychology of composition, how to plan a book and incorporate words and pictures etc and this book has really done that for me. I found the section on composition and picture space particularly helpful.

This is the book for you if you want a book that tells you how and why. The author hasn't held back information but explains everything with lots of drawn examples. I bought another book on illustration at the same time - Exploring Illustration by Michael Fleishman- which like so many modern textbooks goes on about theory instead of telling you real technical information. It has served to show me just how good Writing With Pictures is and how generous the author is in giving information.

I can't recommend it highly enough.

I have read criticism that it doesn't have enough computer-related information but that isn't something all illustrators need. This deals with the real skills of the craft and to me, with so many programs out there you are better getting guides on every program you want to use to really master them than have the broad, undetailed cross-section inevitable in books about this size.

This book is a pleasure to read, and very inspiring to get drawing! His detailed instructions are as helpful as sitting in a drawing class.

Uri Shulevitz's book Writing With Pictures is a treasure trove of valuable information concerning writing/illustrating children's books. For those with no interest whatsoever in illustration, the book explains how illustrations enhance and fulfill the promise of the text. For those only interested in illustration, the book describes how to correctly construct illustrations so that they illuminate, rather than repeat, the prose.

The book is divided in four parts. Part one defines/contrasts picture books and story books; two, describes how to plan the book; three, explains the construction and purpose of illustrations; and four, provides instruction on how to prepare illustrations for reproduction for publishing.

Although the book could be used for college courses in both art and literature, it is easily readable, enjoyable and informative. For individuals serious about writing and/or illustrating books for children, this book is a must-have resource. It's a keeper!

For a designer+Trekkie like me, this book is a collector's item. This compilation of scenic art, concept sketches and production stills is just inspirational.

When I was first given The Art of Star Trek as a special gift by a close friend I was to say the least, over the moon. The present came as something of a pleasant shock for I was totally unaware that it had been published. As a lover of "the art of" books and an avid fan of Star Trek, I had long hoped for such a title and finally... here it was! The Art of Star Trek has fast become my favourite "art of" book (along with the Art of Star Wars books) and it is always near at hand.

The Art of Star Trek is everything I would have expected and more, stunning colour pictures, informative text and lavish presentation. This long overdue book covers several of Star Treks many and varied incarnations thus far on television and film alike and charts its visual evolution over more than thirty years. It is positively overflowing with many fascinating examples of the sketches and storyboards, production and matte paintings, posters, costumes, props and sets [etc] that fill the Paramount archives and private collections alike. Although most of the designs will not be used for various reasons, they loosely form the basis for how a Star Trek production might appear when completed. The concept art included in this volume has been created by many of the top film-television designers to have worked in Hollywood throughout the years. And who have played a seminal role in shaping the distinctive aesthetic of Star Trek over its almost forty year history. Included are such artists as Mike Okuda, Andrew Probert, John Eaves, Mike Minor and Matt Jefferies, who created the first brilliant prototype Starship Enterprise in the 1960s, one which has served as the blueprint for all subsequent Starfleet starship designs. The many individuals included in this wonderful book are the unsung talents of Star Trek, and who for the most part go unrecognised by its legions of fans. They have diligently worked long hours behind the scenes of Star Trek series and movies to create the multitude of conceptual and commercial art that helps Trek run efficiently. Their concept art and finished designs play an important role in Star Treks appeal to a devoted fanbase around the world.

Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens have carefully chosen a wide selection of the finest art created for this most enduring of franchises. The book is arranged in a chronological order, the first half being devoted to the television series from Classic Star Trek to Voyager. The second half of the book is devoted to Star Trek motion pictures leading up to Generations. With stunning full colour photographs throughout this is a fascinating and engrossing volume that will keep one rapt for hours. So if you haven't already got a copy in your library and are a serious Trekkie and art lover do yourself a big favour and buy this incredible coffee table book, you won't be disappointed.

Since The Art of Star Trek was first published (some years ago now) the Star Trek universe has been steadily expanding, Voyager and Deep Space Nine have long finished, three more movies have been made so far... and Star Trek: Enterprise has sadly been cancelled. In their wake they have left a whole gallery of exiting new material gathering dust in the Paramount archives that hopefully will be used in The Art of Star Trek: volume two at some future date.

This book has some of the best artwork that was made for the first four Star Trek series and some of the movies. It has photographs of the sets and props as well as diagrams of the ships, including Klingon and Romulan vessels, the movie and series Enterprises, and even Voyager. The book follows a plan which views the art history of Star Trek from the pilot film "The Cage" to "Star Trek: Voyager". You'll love this book if you're a Star Trek fan!

My initial reaction to The Art of Star Trek and it's hefty price was skepticism. Once I did purchase it and start running through it, the price could've been twice and I still would've bought this gem. The Art of Star Trek is a pure celebration of everything that Star Trek is and was all the way through it's publication date. It includes articles from the very beginning to the lastest on Voyager and Star Trek Generations. The pictures and drawings are stunning to say the least. This is a book you'll definitely want to add to your collection if you haven't already.

"The Art of Star Trek," by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens, is to date the ultimate "coffee table" book for devoted Star Trek fans. This book, which was published in 1995, covers all aspects of "Trek" history up until its publication date. Through text and plentiful illustrations, the book celebrates the visual artistry that has been such an essential component of the "Trek" phenomenon.

The book deals with each of the specific series from the original until "Voyager," including both the often neglected animated series and the aborted "Phase II" series of the mid-1970s. All films from "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" to "Star Trek Generations" are also covered.

The amount and quality of items in this visual "museum" are astounding. There are behind-the-scenes photos, concept drawings, photos of models, prosthetic makeup designs, storyboards, movie posters from around the world, closeup shots of props, and more. Particularly interesting were the shots of certain props and aliens which were barely seen in fleeting shots, but which represent great imagination and artistry.

Also noteworthy are the drawings which document the evolution of both the original series "Enterprise" and the "Next Generation" ship. I was fascinated by the concept drawings of possible "Enterprises" for the aborted "Phase II" series, as well as by the rejected new uniforms for the first "Next Generation" feature film.

The concise but clear text is a good match for the wealth of glorious, full-color photographs. This book is, from start to finish, a visual feast for "Trek" fans.

I have to agree with the other reviews on this book, it's a MUST have at any price.

The art from the early Dragonlance covers has always been some of my favorite fantasy art, and this book dives deeper in the vaults to bring out art that if you're like me might never have seen. Some of the art is from the dragonlance calandars, posters, etc. This book will leave you with a deep appriciation for Larry Elmore and the other great artists who've done these covers.

I was born with the name of Raistlin.. naturally i would want to see the character i was named after. This book provided me with the start to my passion with Dragon Lance.
It goes into detail and explains everything (how the dragon riders stay on the dragons etc.).
I have one copy and so does my Dad, but mine has pages missing from when he used them as posters. I want another copy but it depends how much i am willing to pay on e bay.
This book is worth getting for a price such as £50.

Enjoy.

This book is worth every penny I paid to get it. It includes a short story about how the Dragonlance epic came to be, the four original color roughs (by Larry Elmore), sketches of the dragonlance and saddle and how to use it, sketches and pictures of the many types of draconians, armor and weapons, beautiful oil and acrylic pictures, a little history and pictures of the Heroes of the Lance, pictures and history of minor characters such as Lord Lorac, the elven king, and much, much more! This book is a must-have for any Dragonlance collector. You won't be disappointed!

This gorgeous book is one of the finest compendiums of TSR artwork ever created - it is loaded full of hundreds of illustrations, free of print, on glossy paper; included are every piece of full-color artwork ever created for Dragonlance (up through 1987), supplemented with rich text and many, many concept sketches that appear nowhere else! For Dragonlance afficionados, or those who appreciated classic art by Easley, Caldwell, Parkinson, Elmore, and more, this is the ideal collection.

This was an absolutely beautifully laid out book. It contains 'round 40 full color full page prints of paintings of the dragonlance saga. Along with the prints there is also background info. on how the artists put the images together, along with an intriguing storyline that ran with the images. An absolutely fantastic book... can't say much more about it!

I bought this book for my kids for Halloween and it has become a staple for bedtime reading. The illustrations capture the kids imaginations and the Haiku are simply great fun. The quality of the book is very impressive as compared to some of the independant press material that I've seen. Since purchasing Caught Creatures I've also purchased KlawBerry, a Plushi, and some buttons from the SteamCrow line, all of which have been a delight.

Brought to you by the wonderful imagination and talent of monsterologist, illustrator, and self publisher Daniel M. Davis is this treasure - a monster haiku book! Really, what could be more perfect? This book shows all of the amazing and sometimes amusing monsters that he has trapped and stuck in his steam castle.

The illustrations are delightful. All 48 pages have something eye-catching and snazzy to offer. What I appreciate most about this book, other than the fabulous creativity, is the fantastic attention to detail. I can stare at each illustration multiple times and still find something new to admire. Every touch from the monsters to their props to their keys to the light fixtures in their cells is well thought out and drawn wonderfully.

The haikus are clever and funny without being cheesy or a stretch. They really give character to the picture of the monster. Bonus, there is a how-to haiku section at the end of the books for all of those (like myself) that forget the darn syllable pattern!

This book is a great gift for that reader who has "everything."

This is by far my son's favorite book. I read this, along with After Halloween to him at least 4 nights a week. We've had this one for a couple of years now, but it's still holding up strong. He always makes me read the part at the end about how to make haiku's and read the credits as well. The artwork is fantastic and the book is just plain fun to read!

Caught Creatures is a terrific book for kids and adults alike. It's perfect for anyone who likes monsters, robots, poetry, or just loves really great art. The art in this is all completely original, and very beautiful.

The printing quality is fantastic, with each illustration seemingly popping off the page and kicking you in the eye.


If you don't buy this book, babies will cry. Do you want to make babies cry?

While I'm a father myself, I am also still a big kid. As such, I really enjoyed reading this book. (Oh, and my son loved it too.) The writing is both entertaining and sound in its craft. The illustrations are great and the quality of the publication itself is excellent. Daniel also has two other books out, Klawberry and After Halloween. Both are really kid friendly and very well done.

What an incredible little voyage by the girl and her dog. The pictures are exquisite, and the poem is quite sweet. A perfect bedtime story.

I just bought several copies to keep on hand as baby gifts. The illustrations are amazing.

Every once in a great while a work of art comes along that says something so wonderful by saying it so simply that your fears in life take a vacation. This little book does just that. It is a most quiet wonder for people of all ages.

This book is one of the most beautifully illustrated books (adult or children's) I've ever seen. The depth of each illustration is so spellbinding that it draws you into each picture in the dreamiest and most wondrous way ever. It brings the reader to a magical, spiritual realm most books never even touch on or begin to. I have found this book, showing a little girl's journey into the world that dreams are made of, to be so honest, heartfelt and visionary. One of the nice things about this one-of-a-kind book is that it appeals to everyone; adults, teenagers and children of all ages. Everyone that has seen my copy of it or that I gave to as a gift was instantly spellbound by it's poetry and the serenity it invokes on them. I treasure this book with it's wonderful dreaminess as this year it has made my gift list easy to fill because it appeals to all ages. It has left everyone delightfully amazed and longing for more; so they begin reading it over again and then again each time discovering new hidden secrets of our universe and their hearts.

Children?s daydreams, in their exquisite simplicity, overflow the pages of this colorful book. From cover to cover this story is fanciful and innovative. It also happens to be beautifully written as a poem, and its illustrations are whimsical and imaginative. The story begins as a young girl gazes appealingly out the window toward the moon. Then we read these simple words - In every moon there is a face. As I read the story, and was drawn into its dreamlike fantasy, I distinctly remembered how I felt as a child when I looked up at delicate clouds floating along in the sky. I could see anything and everything in those clouds.

Reading this book can help children see beyond the obvious. Most children will see a face in the moon, but if they look deeper they can see the most wondrous things their imaginations can provide. They can soar through the heavens, or they can float gently on the sea, because this book stirs their imagination and brings out everything that a daydream can provide - if they just look deeper.

The words of the poet say it best. ?And in each child there is a sky that?s full of daydreams and balloons, and every dream?s a butterfly that?s full of moons?

*****Highly recommended reading for parents who remember the clouds and children who are just beginning to stretch their imaginations. *****

Reviewed by Ruth Wilson

The book got here quick, packaged well and in great shape. What more is there to say.

Invincible is quickly becoming one of my favorite comics, the art, pacing, characterization and plot are all very solid. It has a great cast of characters and has something new to say about superheroes.

The only reason this collection does not get 5 stars is it ends on a very abruct note. While some collections focus on including an entire story arc, this one ends halfway through a story and leaves literally dozens of subplots hanging.

After reading volume 1 I had one thing to say: WOW....OH WOW!!!
This is the most innovating comic series in ages. It combines humour, clean-styled drawings and a great storyline.
That style continues in this long awaited volume 2... Lots of hints and pokes at other comics and movies (expecially the star wars one in this volume.... you just have to appreciate it..).
Kirkman picks up events where vol.1 one took a dramatic turn in the plot....gives us an insight in the spendings of the taxpayers money (haha) and Allan the Alien, my god.. was that NECESSARY ?!!?!?! **crying **

I hope this series keeps on going forever. If there is going to be a volume 3 out soon I will definately buy that one as well... and 4 ...and 5 ..... and....

Like the other reviewers may have mentioned, I also agree that this is not as good as the first volume. I know that Robert Kirkman said that he consciously tried to expand the universe, and the way he did that was by adding one subplot on top of another. However, by the end of the book, most of the subplots are not resolved, thus leaving the reader (or at least me) feeling unsatisfied. It's like reading the first two-thirds of a book, and then coming to an abrupt stop without resolution. The first volume was far more self-contained. All you needed to read was that one volume, and if you never read any more Invincible, you'd still have closure. This one - no resolution, which is annoying.

Nevertheless, this is still a great a read. The plots are interesting, the characters are likeable, the dialogue is sharp and witty, and the art is beautiful and consistent. Overall, I was entertained, and recommend that you pick it up. I just wish I don't have to wait year or whatever until the next hardcover collection comes out. Bring on the next collection!

In this second hardcover collecting Robert Kirkman's Invincible Volumes 3 & 4 (issues 14 - 24 and Origins) we see Mark Grayson maturing into the world's soon-to-be most powerful superhero. After the climactic and disturbing events in the first collection where Mark discovered the truth about his father our hero is left to figure out things for himself. Without the guidance of his super-parent Invincible sets off for college and starts working for Cecil Steadman and the government, which pits Mark against villains and monsters capable of mocking his superhero monicker by actually hurting and beating him. Relationship troubles with Amber and his Mom who is still dealing with his dad's absence put a strain on Mark's life that not even his superpowers can alleviate (a la Spider-man). I am glad to say that I enjoy this comic because of the fact that Invincible is, strangely enough, NOT invincible. Sure, Mark doesn't have a weakness like Kryptonite, and can't be hurt by conventional weapons, but other supers can with a bit of trying inflict some damage upon him, either by thrashing him physically or going after his loved ones, showing that a secret identity is not as easy to hide as in the Superman universe. Kirkman handles his character much like Alan Moore handled Miracle Man all those years ago, pointing out that even the most invulnerable of beings has limits, and that the world does not always recover when these creatures cut loose. Often violent and bloody, the Invincible comics in this collection also contain moments of tenderness and genuine feeling between characters that make each story addictively readable and leaves you begging for more.