I am a very, very big fan of ‘The Incredible Book Eating Boy” – which is about the benefits of reading and bought both it and “The Great Paper Chase” on spec at Borders for quite a dandy bargain. I think the kind Borders people have now realised these books worth and are selling them back at normal prices, but oh it’s totally worth it. Besides, it’s got this marvelous bite taken out of the edge and a sensible disclaimer about ‘not eating this at home’.

Today’s illustrations are by Arthur Rackham, very well known for his fairytale drawings – which although beautiful don’t really float my boat. However I love the use of limited colour in these silhouettes. These are from… Cinderella as told by C.S Evans.

Illustration Friday has rolled around again, bear with me as I work out the best way to display these posts. Today is Edward Gorey from a book called ‘The Jumblies’ by Edward Lear. You can find out more about Gorey on Goreyography.

“(Edward) Gorey is perfect for children.” – Maurice Sendak

As there was a comment about the pipe-smoking bunny, it seems only right to pull an illustration from the same book. This illustration is by by Adam Kilian and comes from Anna Kamienska‘s Zajeczy Palac. The book is entirely in Polish (I think?) and features quite a few styles (I like it so much that it’s going to get more than one turn). This ship is my favourite. I think it’s a folk tale or a poetry book. Adam Kilian is best known for his involvement with Polish theatre and puppetry.

“I am incapable of defining his art,” young designer Dorota Kolodynska said of Adam Kilian. “It combines the sophistication of an exceptional artist with the nobly naive sensitivity of a child. Adults savor its artistic excellence, while its magical colors and forms enchant children. And yet, his art is hardly superficial. Instead of offering routine forms, it stimulates viewers’ sensitivities through intentional ambiguities. It operates like theatre of the imagination.” (“Gazeta Wyborcza – Stoleczna,” 13 February 2003)