Description

Pictured Worlds is a lavishly illustrated, large-format reference book highlighting the work of 101 top childrens illustrators.

In Pictured Worlds, renowned historian Leonard S. Marcus shares his incomparable knowledge of illustrated childrens books, which came of age in the 18th century when John Newbery set a model for tailoring books to the interests and capabilities of young readers and went on to become a global cultural phenomenon. The author of more than 25 award-winning books, Marcus here highlights an international roster of 101 artists of the past 200 years whose touchstone achievements collectively chart the major trends and turning points in the history of childrens book illustration. While some illustrators explored in this lively volume (John Tenniel, Maurice Sendak) have become household names, Marcuss wide-ranging survey also shines a light on several lesser-known figures whose unique contributions merit a closer look. The result is a sweeping chronicle of a vibrant art form and cultural driver that has touched the lives of literate peoples everywhere.

More than 500 illustrations showcase landmark books from Great Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Sweden, Czech Republic, Russia, Japan, China, Korea, Bulgaria, Argentina, Cameroon, and more. Each illustrated entry comprises an artists biography and career overview and a deep dive into a pivotal book and its legacy. Featured books include Ivan Bilibins The Tale of the Golden Cockerel, Leo Lionnis Inch by Inch, Richard Doyles In Fairyland, Květa Pacovskás One, Five, Many, Helen Oxenburys Were Going on a Bear Hunt, Anno Mitsumasas Annos Journey, and Zhu Cheng-Liangs A New Years Reunion, as well as the books that introduced such iconic characters as Alice, Max, Struwwelpeter, the Little Prince, and Winnie-the-Pooh.

At once a celebration of illustrated childrens books and an essential reference work, Pictured Worlds encapsulates, in the authors words, the special nature of the illustrated childrens book as a cultural enterprise that is at once a rewarding art form, a bridge across cultures, and a ladder between generations.

Author: Leonard S. Marcus
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Published: 03/28/2023
Pages: 432
Weight: 4.58lbs
Size: 11.18h x 9.29w x 1.34d
ISBN: 9781419738982
Language: English