EXTRACTS: Illustrators issue 20 © 2017 The Book Palace (96 PAGES in Full edition)

94 The Bookshelf: Fuchs, Wood, Cornwell Such was the response to this long anticipated book that the first edition sold out within a matter of days. Now in its second edition, this sumptuously presented retrospective of Dean Cornwell’s art provides readers with an unprecedented opportunity to view his illustrations, murals, paintings and developmental drawings en mass and in colour. The book is similar in structure to other illustrator biographies produced by The Illustrated Press. A detailed biographical account of Dean Cornwell, is followed by chapters documenting, with exquisite reproductions of paintings, drawings and photographs, the various phases of what was a very fulfilling career. For readers wanting to delve beneath the surface of some of the most powerful illustrated images of the last century, this book provides a mouthwatering selection of drawings and preparatory sketches, which give the reader a far greater insight into Cornwell’s creative process. All in all, a really inspirational addition to the bookcase of every illustration and art enthusiast, The Art of Bernie Fuchs By David Apatoff Hardbound 242 pages The Illustrated Press £38.99 It seems incredible that oneof themost influential and innovative illustrators of the last century has not inspired the production of a book devoted to his work. Thankfully, this glaring oversight has now been addressed with the publication of a truly sumptuous retrospective of Fuchs’ art. With David Apatoff ’s illuminating text and Dan Zimmer’s design and publishing expertise, we can now view Fuchs’ extraordinary powers as a graphic artist and painter with much more insight into his creative process than was hitherto the case. The book is broken down into key sections, commencing with a look at Bernie’s life and evolution as an artist, followed by sections devoted to his editorial, advertising, sports and book illustrations as well as examples of his portraiture, murals and gallery art. The power of Fuchs’ work was such that he influenced not only a lot of his contemporaries but also successive generations of illustrators. His work resonated with millions of viewers across the world, he was invited into the corridors of presidents and potentates and this magnificent book explains why. The Life and Legend of Wallace Wood By Bhob Stewart Introduction by Howard Chaykin Hardbound 304 pages Fantagraphics Books £35.00 Although announced as an all new biography of Wallace Wood, this book is, in fact, a revised version of ‘Against The Grain’ published by Twomorrows in 2003. Both feature for the most part identical text (although stopping midway from the book published by TwoMorrows, as to make it a two volume set). The book ‘Against the Grain’ is already considered the best and most complete biography on Wally Wood. However, it was in black and white and the design and layout left a lot to be desired. In contrast the Fantagraphics edition offers amuchmore satisfying collection of Wood’s art, with crisp and clean layouts, sharper reproduction and artwork presented in colour wherever required. The text remains the same although, as noted already, half of it is held over for the second volume. There is a hilarious and, typically, colourful introduction by Howard Chaykin (who, like Stewart, cut his teeth as one of Wood’s assistants). For those seeking an upgrade from ‘Against the Grain’, as well as readers looking for the definitive biography of one of comicdom’s most iconic and mercurial practitioners—this book makes for an excellent read. The Art of Dean Cornwell By Daniel Zimmer Hardbound 224 pages The Illustrated Press £39.99