The Art Shelf

Mesozoic Art: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Animals in Art
Steve White, editor
Darren Naish, editor
Bloomsbury Wildlife
c/o Bloomsbury Press
www.bloomsbury.com
9781399401364, $40.00, HC, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/Mesozoic-Art-Dinosaurs-Ancient-Animals/dp/139940136X

Synopsis: Dinosaurs are endlessly fascinating to people of every age, from = the youngest child who enjoys learning the tongue-twisting names to adults = who grew up with Jurassic Park and Walking with Dinosaurs. As our knowledge=
of the prehistoric world continues to evolve and grow, so has the discipli=
ne of bringing these ancient worlds to life artistically. Paleoart puts fle=
sh on the bones of long-extinct organisms, and illustrates they world they = lived in.

Collaboratively compiled and edited by the team of Steve White and Darren N= ais, "Mesozoic Art: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Animals in Art" beautifully=
showcases twenty of the best artists working in this field, representing a=
broad spectrum of disciplines, from traditional painting to cutting-edge d= igital technology. Some provide the artwork for new scientific papers that = demand high-end paleoart as part of their presentation to the world at larg=
e; they also work for the likes of National Geographic and provide art to m= useums around the world to illustrate their displays. Other artists are the=
new rising stars of paleoart in an ever-growing, ever-diversifying field.

Arranged by portfolio, "Mesozoic Art" is an ideal introduction of dramatic = artwork to a wide, contemporary, and appreciative audience. The art is acco= mpanied by an informed and informative text on the animals and their live, = written by palaeontologist Darren Naish. Paleoart is dynamic, fluid and col= ourful, as were the beasts it portrays, which are showcased in a truly magn= ificent book.

Critique: A unique and fascinating presentation of museum quality art, "Mes= ozoic Art: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Animals in Art" is an extraordinary = and unreservedly recommended coffee-table style (11.1 x 1 x 12.35 inches) v= olume that will have particular attraction to readers with an interest in t=
he natural history and biology of dinosaurs. While also available in a digi= tal book format (Kindle, $15.12) for the personal reading lists of students=
, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subj= ect, "Mesozoic Art: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Animals in Art" would be a = choice and elegant selection for community and academic library Memorial Fu=
nd acquisition.

Editorial Note #1: Darren Naish (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darren_Naish=
) is an author, researcher and qualified scientist, based in England, UK, w=
ho writes about animals living and extinct. His special interests include d= inosaurs, ancient marine reptiles, the flying pterosaurs, mystery animals, = conservation biology and the portrayal of ancient animals in art. Dr Naish = has published several books on all of these things: several more are in pre= paration.

Editorial Note #2: Steve White (https://stevewhiteart.co.uk) had his first = credit as a colourist on Care Bears. Since then he has worked as an editor = for Marvel UK, Tundra UK and Titan Comics, as well as writing, illustrating=
, inking and colouring numerous and varied titles including not just comics=
but children's non-fiction. He has also edited a line of artbooks for Tita=
n Books, including the critically acclaimed "Dinosaur Art: The World's Grea= test Paleoart".

The Hidden Language of Symbols
Matthew Wilson
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500025291, $45.00, HC, 272pp

https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Language-Symbols-Matthew-Wilson/dp/0500025290

Synopsis: With the publication of "The Hidden Language of Symbols", art his= torian Matthew Wilson covers a wide-ranging selection of visual culture and=
art under one unified theme: symbols. Often not immediately apparent, our = day-to-day lives abound with symbols of various kinds, from national emblem=
s to emojis, allegories to logos, all of which have a fascinating story.

Organized across four all-encompassing themes (power, faith, hope, and unce= rtainty) "The Hidden Language of Symbols" is a stimulating and illustrated = account of forty-eight key symbols from global art history is aimed at muse= um-goers, armchair art sleuths, or anyone who wants to understand the histo=
ry of their visual environment from an unusual and creative angle.

Drawing on artistic examples from the imaginary, natural, physical, and rel= igious worlds, from dragons to eagles, butterflies to labyrinths, and rainb= ows to wheels, Wilson discusses the lives of these different types of symbo= ls. Analyzing their development, why they evolved, and the various ways the=
y have been interpreted, Wilson also explains in what way symbols are marke=
rs of identity, that is, how they gain the power to unite and divide societ= ies.

Looking at how they have shaped the world beyond the museum, Wilson reveals=
the impact of visual symbols on the appearance of our cities, the language=
of advertising, and even the design of corporate logos.

Critique: A simply fascinating and impressively insightful work of meticulo=
us scholarship, "The Hidden Language of Symbols" is an extraordinary and be= autifully illustrated volume that is informatively enhanced for the reader = with the inclusion of a two page listing of Illustrations Sources, seven pa= ges of Notes, and a four page Index. Aptly organized and presented, "The Hi= dden Language of Symbols" is an especially and unreservedly recommended add= ition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Art Histor=
y collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Matthew Wilson (https://www.matthewwilson.uk) is an art his= torian, educator, and writer. He has written for numerous publications and = media on art and culture. He is also the author of the Symbols in Art in th=
e Art Essentials series.

Roman Warriors: The Paintings of Graham Sumner
Simon Elliot, author
Greenhill Books
c/o Pen & Sword Books
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
9781784387198, $70.00, HC, 224pp

https://www.amazon.com/Roman-Warriors-Paintings-Graham-Sumner/dp/1784387193

Synopsis: Showcasing the truly stunning artwork of historian and artist Gra= ham Sumner's impressive, expansive portfolio, featuring never-before-seen i= llustrations of Ancient Rome's military through paintings, "Roman Warriors:=
The Paintings of Graham Sumner" is a colorful and comprehensive anthology.

Introduced with a foreword by historian and author Adrian Goldsworthy, Sumn= er's beautiful color reconstructions of Ancient Roman warriors over time ar=
e complemented expertly with informative, enlightening text by renowned his= torian and author Simon Elliott.

This combination of Sumner's illustrations and Elliott's writing leaves no = stone unturned as they divulge information about this fascinating period of=
military history in mesmerizing, intricate detail. Readers will swiftly be= come fully immersed in this ancient world, and will leave it with a wealth =
of knowledge about and a profound understanding of the warriors of Ancient = Rome, and a great appreciation for Sumner and Elliott's expertise in the ar= ea.

Critique: "Roman Warriors: The Paintings of Graham Sumner" is a coffee-tabl=
e style (11.65 x 1.14 x 9.02 inches, 3.26 pounds) volume comprised of a stu= nning compilation of museum quality artwork and informative commentary. Esp= ecially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community,=
college, and university library Roman Military History collections, it sho= uld be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non-= specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Roman Warr= iors: The Paintings of Graham Sumner" is also available in a digital book f= ormat (Kindle, $14.99).

Editorial Note #1: Graham Sumner is an accomplished archaeological and hist= orical artist. (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/graham-sumner-9186a099)

Editorial Note #2: Simon Elliott (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10980790/bio)=
is an historian, archaeologist and Honorary Research Fellow at the Univers= ity of Kent where he studied for his PhD in Archaeology on the subject of t=
he Roman military in Britain. He also has an MA in War Studies from KCL and=
an MA in Archaeology from UCL. For a day job he runs his own PR company, a=
nd is a former defense and aerospace journalist at titles including Jane's = Defence Weekly and Flight International. He frequently gives talks on Roman=
themes and is co-Director at a Roman villa excavation.

How I Draw: Scott McKowen Sketchbooks
Scott McKowen
Firefly Books Ltd.
www.fireflybooks.com
9780228103660, $29.95, HC, 232pp

https://www.amazon.com/How-Draw-Scott-McKowen-Sketchbooks/dp/0228103665

Synopsis: For many artists, drawing is both vocation and avocation. Drawing=
for pleasure keeps our skills sharp and allows us to expand our horizons b=
y trying new materials and media -- to say nothing of providing countless h= ours of enjoyment.

As an artist, Scott McKowen has enjoyed a successful four-decade career as =
an award-winning illustrator and designer known across North America. Drawi=
ng is his livelihood, but he also makes a constant practice of observationa=
l drawing from life. He always travels with a sketchbook, drawing everywher=
e from museums, restaurants, theaters and zoos, to cities, parks and on hol= iday.

"How I Draw: Scott McKowen Sketchbooks" provides an overview of Scott's dra= ftsmanship in various media, with insights and tips guaranteed to help anyo=
ne who shares his love of drawing.

"How I Draw: Scott McKowen Sketchbooks" features Some Basics, Travel Sketch= books, Cabinet of Curiosities, and Life Drawing, to Portraiture, Animals/Ve= getables/Minerals, Lucid Drawing, and Ephemera.

Critique: Offering a delightful and inspiring tour through highlights of Sc= ott McKowen's impressive drawing portfolio, "How I Draw: Scott McKowen Sket= chbooks" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community,=
and art school library collections -- and will have a very special appeal = and value for readers with an interest in creating personal and professiona=
l art through sketching.

Editorial Note: Scott McKowen (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_McKowen)=
is a renowned and prolific artist, chiefly known for his scratchboard illu= strations, which have been featured in hundreds of books, magazines, theate=
r posters and comic books. He may be best known for illustrating Neil Gaima= n's Marvel Comics series 1602 and for several titles in the Sterling Unabri= dged Classics children's book series, as well as theater posters that captu=
re the essence of plays by Shakespeare, Chekhov, Moliere and other great pl= aywrights. He was selected as one of the jurors for the 53rd Communication = Arts Illustration Annual.

The Art of Louis Shabner
Stuart Webb
Telos Publishing Ltd
https://telos.co.uk
9781845832001, $44.13, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Louis-Shabner-Stuart-Webb/dp/1845832000

Synopsis: As an artist, Louis Shabner began his career producing shop windo=
w advertising for brands such as Every Ready, Ovaltine and Chivers jams, am= ongst others, but is best known for his paintings of sultry sirens. During = the 1960s and 1970s his prints, which were available through shops such as = Boots chemists and by post through Freemans catalogues, adorned lounge wall=
s up and down the UK. Many of his women made it onto hugely popular calenda=
rs during the same period.

Under the pseudonym Sheldon, Shabner also produced numerous book cover pain= tings for Pan and other publishers. At the time, mass-produced art of this = kind was viewed as having only 'throw away' value, but now Shabner's work (= often mentioned in the same breath as that of contemporaries Vladimir Tretc= hikoff and J H Lynch) is highly sought-after by collectors, with copies of = his original prints and calendars being snapped up for high prices.

With the publication of "The Art of Louis Shabner", researcher Stuart Webb = presents the most comprehensive account ever published of Shabner's life an=
d work, lavishly illustrated with beautiful color images of a wealth of his=
paintings.

Critique: Of particular appeal to aficionados of vintage art and book cover=
illustration, "The Art of Louis Shabner" is a coffee-table style (8.5 x 0.=
57 x 11 inches) volume that showcases the memorable and distinctive artwork=
and style of a memorably gifted artist whose work was especially appreciat=
ed as cover art for paperback books in a number of genres as well as dramat=
ic portraits of attractive women. A pure pleasure to browse through and sup= ported by the descriptive commentary of author, researcher, and Louis Shabn=
er expert Stuart Web, "The Art of Louis Shabner" will be of special interes=
t as an addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library=
20th Century Pop Culture Art collections and supplemental curriculum studi=
es lists.

Editorial Note: Stuart Webb has written for a number of magazines, includin=
g a two year stint with the now sadly defunct Book and Magazine Collector. =
An award winning short story author, Stuart has also penned three novels fo=
r children, Aurora's Tears, Lyme Hall and Time Traveller Jenny at Chatswort=
h. The first print of his debut novel sold out on the day of publication. M= ore recently, his passion for all things vintage, and particularly kitsch a= rt, has resulted in Stuart writing a number of articles on this subject for=
Vintage Explorer magazine. He has also contributed to a writer's handbook = titled A Seriously Useful Author's Guide to Marketing and Publicising Books=
.. His Instagram is @stuart_webb_

Cover Me: The Vintage Art of Pan Books: 1950-1965
Colin Lurkin
Telos Publishing Ltd
https://telos.co.uk
9781845839888, $30.69, HC, 264pp

https://www.amazon.com/Cover-Me-Vintage-Books-1950-1965/dp/1845839889

Synopsis: With the publication of "Cover Me: The Vintage Art of Pan Books: = 1950-1965" author Colin Larkin presents an affectionate and thoroughly-rese= arched celebration of the classic Pan Books paperbacks published between 19=
50 and 1965 in a coffee-table style (8.5 x 0.62 x 11 inches) volume that is=
beautifully illustrated with sumptuous full-color reproductions of over 30=
0 of the original cover artworks.

Pan books represented a cultural beacon as Britain recovered from World War=
II and slowly moved from the harsh austerity and rationing of the 1950s in=
to the more upbeat 1960s. While in many respects the public of that period = had to endure a life in monochrome (black-and-white TV, low-budget B-movies=
and grainy holiday snaps) Pan books presented escapist images in glorious = color. They perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the era, as people sought = out cheap reading material that astutely reflected contemporary tastes: cri=
me novels, westerns, historical fiction, movie tie-ins, true-life war memoi=
rs and early science fiction.

"Cover Me: The Vintage Art of Pan Books: 1950-1965" also presents the highl= ights of a unique archive of original Pan cover paintings, many of them ico= nic images of the era. Larkin has owned this major art collection since 199=
0, and has lovingly researched the Pan Books history, the many superb artis=
ts who worked with the company, and the fascinating production process. His=
own experience makes him ideally qualified to chronicle a subject that has=
been a passion of his since childhood.

Critique: A 'must' for the personal collections of all dedicated bibliophil= es, "Cover Me: The Vintage Art of Pan Books: 1950-1965" demonstrates the ol=
d cliche that 'covers sell books' and for some of us is a wonderfully nosta= lgic trip down memory lane. An entertaining and informative volume to simpl=
y page throughout one page at a time, still another benefit for the current=
generation of bibliophiles is its being a wonderful source for identifying=
literary and pulp fiction classics in a variety of genres to at to a perso= nal reading list. While also readily available in a paperback edition (9781= 845832032, $36.30), "Cover Me: The Vintage Art of Pan Books: 1950-1965" is =
a very special and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professio= nal, community, college, and university library Literary Studies, Pop Cultu= re, Art History, and Book Design collections.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The Midwest Book Review is an organization of volunteers committed to promo= ting literacy, library usage, and small press publishing. We accept no fund=
s from authors or publishers. Full permission is given to post any of these=
reviews on thematically appropriate websites, newsgroups, listserves, inte= rnet discussion groups, organizational newsletters, or to interested indivi= duals. Please give the Midwest Book Review a credit line when doing so.

The Midwest Book Review publishes the monthly book review magazines "Califo= rnia Bookwatch", "Internet Bookwatch", "Children's Bookwatch", "MBR Bookwat= ch", "Reviewer's Bookwatch", and "Small Press Bookwatch". All are available=
for free on the Midwest Book Review website at www (dot) midwestbookreview=
(dot) com

Anyone wanting to submit books for review consideration can send them to:

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129

To submit reviews of any fiction or non-fiction books, email them to Frugal= muse (at) aol (dot) com (Be sure to include the book title, author, publish= er, publisher address, publisher website/phone number, 13-digit ISBN number=
, and list price).

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review

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