"A Dictionary Of Symbols" By Tom Chetwynd, Cover Illustration By James Marsh (Granada Publishing Limited, London 1982) Part-2

Naturally, I did buy this book because of its James Marsh cover(!). A British illustrator, designer and author, Marsh (b.1946) was a huge influence on advertising, editorial and publishing art and design in this country - and abroad. He gained fame from the late 1960's (being involved with projects like "The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics" and Warhol's "Chelsea Girls" poster) and went on to become a major figure in the advertising and publishing world in the 70's and 80's - his collaboration with the British pop group Talk Talk on their album covers being one of the most memorable)  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Marsh_(artist)  I decided to enlarge some sections of this book jacket just to highlight the attention  the artist pays to details and communicative ideas.

"A Dictionary Of Symbols" By Tom Chetwynd, Cover Illustration By James Marsh (Granada Publishing Limited, London 1982)

http://jamesmarsh.com/old-site/illustration.htm

"Willy The Dreamer" By Anthony Browne (Published by Walker Books Ltd, London 1997) Part-3

This is an excerpt from the author's biography in the book: "Anthony Browne (born in 1946) is one of today's most popular and acclaimed children's artists. In March 2000 he received the highest international distinction for a picture book artist, becoming the first British illustrator to win the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration. His many other awards include the Kate Greenaway Medal for Gorilla and Zoo, and the Kurt Maschler Award for Gorilla, Alice's Adventures In Wonderland and Voices In The Park. Willy The Dreamer was short listed for the Kate Greenaway Medal..."  Here's the author's wonderful website full of pictures, list of all his books, biography etc:http://www.anthonybrownebooks.com/about/

Below is the opening page for "Willy The Dreamer" and below that is the last page of the story - I love spotting the differences between the two and admiring the artist's ingenuity, skill and imagination. A great book for adults and kids alike!

"Willy The Dreamer" By Anthony Browne (Published by Walker Books Ltd, London 1997) Part 2

If I had to pick only one of Anthony Browne's brilliant books, this would be the one! It's a majestic journey through Willy's memories, aspirations, past and future using famous paintings (mainly from the surrealist movement) as a backdrop. The one above, for example, has reference from Giorgio De Chirico's work. The one below that from Salvador Dali's ""The Persistence Of Memory"(1931) and the last one from Rene Magritte's "Reproduction Prohibited"(1937). The pictures from my previous post, display Willy's dreams about being a film star, a famous painter or a rock idol (ie Elvis why not?)! The bananas and Willy's characteristic  pair of the red and green socks at present where ever possible!

"The World Of M.C. Escher" With Texts By M.C. Escher and J.L. Locher (published by Harry N. Abrams Inc., Publishers, New York 1971) Part 3

 Maurits Cornelis Escher (Netherlands, 1898-1972) is one of the best known graphic artists of the 20th century - most people would be familiar with works such as "Relativity" (1953) and "Waterfall" (1961). I particularly like his pattern works and the way one object gradually changes - methodically and with precision - into another. The artist's official website is: http://www.mcescher.com/  It's got an extensive collection of his works and you could even purchase some of the prints (modern copies I imagine - not the originals). I was annoyed to find out that there was an exhibition of Escher's work in Edinburgh but it finished last month and I missed it! It's now moved to Dulwich Picture Gallery in London. For further biography and links this is the wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._C._Escher

"The World Of M.C. Escher" With Texts By M.C. Escher and J.L. Locher (published by Harry N. Abrams Inc., Publishers, New York 1971) Part 2

Cover: "Depth", 1955 - Wood engraving and woodcut in two colours

"Sky and Water II", 1938 - Woodcut

"Sky and Water I", 1938 - woodcut

"The World Of M.C. Escher" With Texts By M.C. Escher and J.L. Locher (published by Harry N. Abrams Inc., Publishers, New York 1971)

"Rind", 1955
Wood engraving in four colours

"Moebius Strip II", 1963
Wood engraving in three colours

"Look What I've Got" By Anthony Browne (published by Walker Books Ltd, London 1996 - Orininally published by Julia MacRae Books 1980) Part 4

 

 

There are plenty of visual jokes in the book - in contrast with minimal amount of dialogue. I love the one above with the "x", "z" and "y" fronts hanging from the washing line (along with the superman suit and the three-breasted bra!). A warm, funny story and a classic book.

 

There are quite a few articles and biographies on Anthony Browne available online - but I couldn't find an official website by the author. Here is an interview about his life and work: http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books/children/illustrators/interviews/69 and the Wikipedia entry is good for listing his large catalogue of picture books:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthony_Browne_(author) 

 

"Look What I've Got" By Anthony Browne (published by Walker Books Ltd, London 1996 - Orininally published by Julia MacRae Books 1980) Part 3