This stunning, authorized collection of works by legendary illustrator Vargas includes a large number of previously unpublished paintings and drawings. This is the first book on Vargas in more than a decade.
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About the Author
Reid Stewart Austin is the author of Alberto Vargas: The Authorized Biography (1978) as well as Varga: The Esquire Years (1987), The Classic Pin-up Art of George Petty (1998), and several articles on Vargas for Playboy and other national magazines.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
39 of 39 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
There are a few legitimate greats, legends of the pin-up and glamour art world whose names are synonymous with style and perfection. There's Rolf Armstrong, Zoe Mozert, Gil Elvgren, and, perhaps the greatest of them all, Alberto Vargas. Vargas first came to notoriety in 1919 when he was hired by the Ziegfeld Follies to paint portraits of the various Follies Revue stars. He would work for several years producing pinups for Esquire Magazine but it was his work for Playboy Magazine beginning in 1960 that made him a legend. The Vargas page in Playboy would become a regular feature for the next decade and a half.
This book contains an eclectic assortment of Vargas art beginning with the earliest work in 1914 and running up through 1975, over sixty years worth of work. It is indeed fascinating to compare his works from the twenties to those of the sixties and seventies. Despite the changes in fashion, hairstyles, and even facial expressions, Vargas' work always had an innate sensuality to them.
The names of the Follies women aren't remembered by most people today but women like Olive Thomas and Nita Nadli were the starlets of their era. His work in the thirties included paintings of Hollywood stars as well movie posters. His subjects included a young Shirley Temple and the sultry Marlene Dietrich.
Several examples of Vargas' sketches are shown partnered with the finished paintings so one can see the progression and changes made along the way. There are a number of two-page spreads in the book such as "Cordillera De Los Andes" a wonderful nude spread of a sexy blonde lying face down. It is simple, yet remarkable erotic. "Blonde Venus" is yet another fantastic 1950's nude spread.... Read more ›
This book contains an eclectic assortment of Vargas art beginning with the earliest work in 1914 and running up through 1975, over sixty years worth of work. It is indeed fascinating to compare his works from the twenties to those of the sixties and seventies. Despite the changes in fashion, hairstyles, and even facial expressions, Vargas' work always had an innate sensuality to them.
The names of the Follies women aren't remembered by most people today but women like Olive Thomas and Nita Nadli were the starlets of their era. His work in the thirties included paintings of Hollywood stars as well movie posters. His subjects included a young Shirley Temple and the sultry Marlene Dietrich.
Several examples of Vargas' sketches are shown partnered with the finished paintings so one can see the progression and changes made along the way. There are a number of two-page spreads in the book such as "Cordillera De Los Andes" a wonderful nude spread of a sexy blonde lying face down. It is simple, yet remarkable erotic. "Blonde Venus" is yet another fantastic 1950's nude spread.... Read more ›
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By J. Murphy
Format:Hardcover
When I buy a book of an artist work I'm buying it for his artwork not his biography. Sure some background info is a good thing but I would have rather seen more of his work. If I want his biography I'll go buy it but I'm more interested in the pin-up art. The works that are represented are nice but far from definitive of his decades of art. If I had to do it all over again I'd buy the book but for 10 dollars cheaper, because I wanted art not text... and so 3 stars
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By A. Gochis
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and reading about Alberto Vargas, his work, his relationships with his publisher(s) and his wife. The man was an amazing talent. The size of these illustrations were incredible, sorry to see a seam going down the middle ... If I could I'd take them out and hang them in poster frames!
I wish there were even more drawings to enjoy.
I wish there were even more drawings to enjoy.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Great book. Lots of history about Alberto Vargas and his continued struggle to make it in the art world. Well he did make it and how.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book is a compilation of the life and work from alberto Vargas.
Very big edition, well written, and with a reasonable price. Sadly, it could have included more of his artwork; but at this moment is the best and biggest compilation from his work that I have found.
Very good for a perfect gift or if you are a pin-up fan from the 30's to 70's
Very big edition, well written, and with a reasonable price. Sadly, it could have included more of his artwork; but at this moment is the best and biggest compilation from his work that I have found.
Very good for a perfect gift or if you are a pin-up fan from the 30's to 70's
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
The Max Vargas Collection is an excellent collection of his finest commercial works. The illistrations and the commentary offers excellent backgroung on his life and body of work. The only thing I found wanting was the large collection of Vargas art that invariably made it onto the noses of many warbirds in WW2 and Korea. There's little refernece to this.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Perhaps my expectations were too high based on the many 5 star reviews. The book is beautifully done and anyone who appreciates Vargas will be pleased with the presentation of his work. But, it seemed to me that it was a much abbreviated representation of his best work. This collection lacks most of his previously published works; these being illustrations in the estate. However, what I think the book needs the most is editing. The pictures are in chronological order, but few offer any biographical information other than the title. On a practical note, the book is very large: 10.25"X13.25" which is over sized even for a collection of illustrations.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Now, I'm not an afficionado of studies of the female form. I'm also not a professional book reviewer or artist. I'm just a person who enjoys beauty - in many forms.
My wife and I both appreciate Vargas' art and have bought one or two small, cheaper pieces for decoration. Having done that - and with Christmas coming - I thought it would be a good idea to buy this book. This was one of my better decisions.
Oh, some may carp about the size and selection of the images and some may reference other Vargas collections that are somehow 'better'. Me, I'm simply delighted with my purchase.
This book traces Vargas over many years and delivers his most delightful art on every page. Apart from the sheer beauty of his fantasies/studies, the book is interesting for the changes in style apparent as Vargas drew beauty over decades - but that's a small point.
The larger point is that this is a richly-produced visual delight that will be looked-at often on our house. I think I spent my money wisely.
My wife and I both appreciate Vargas' art and have bought one or two small, cheaper pieces for decoration. Having done that - and with Christmas coming - I thought it would be a good idea to buy this book. This was one of my better decisions.
Oh, some may carp about the size and selection of the images and some may reference other Vargas collections that are somehow 'better'. Me, I'm simply delighted with my purchase.
This book traces Vargas over many years and delivers his most delightful art on every page. Apart from the sheer beauty of his fantasies/studies, the book is interesting for the changes in style apparent as Vargas drew beauty over decades - but that's a small point.
The larger point is that this is a richly-produced visual delight that will be looked-at often on our house. I think I spent my money wisely.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful book
This is an amazing book. Initially, I had intended to just look at the pin-ups to gain inspiration for my photography. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Anthony Ho
3.0 out of 5 stars
decent, but far from great
Not that great of a book. Stick with the esquire and playboy books. THey not only have the best amount of art, but the best value for the money. Read more
Published 14 months ago by vibert1
5.0 out of 5 stars
For J
Vargas is genius & the man i got this for loved his artistry & style ~ it was the first thing i ever purchased for him & something i feel he'll have forever for its beauty &... Read more
Published 15 months ago by kitten
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent addition to your Vargas collection...
This is a big, beautiful, glossy coffee-table book.
It is filled with glorious Vargas women, which will thrill lovers of Vargas, lovers of the American pinup, retro... Read more
It is filled with glorious Vargas women, which will thrill lovers of Vargas, lovers of the American pinup, retro... Read more
Published 19 months ago by david lincoln brooks
5.0 out of 5 stars
In my opinion The Vargas Girls are the best example of professional...
I think that the Vargas Girls are not only excellent for art combining painting this brush and painting with airbrush, but also the expressions of the girls, as well as other... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Jaime Rodríguez Härtel
5.0 out of 5 stars
Vargas review
great book for an awesome price. it's nice to read details about the life of the artist as well as see the evolution of his art.
Published 22 months ago by dajaxon
3.0 out of 5 stars
like it, don't love it
Love vargas and retro art. I liked that this had quite a bit of information (text) about Vargas himself since I knew next to nothing about him and, while I was also a bit... Read more
Published on November 7, 2010 by Feles31
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Lovely
I bought this book as a gift for my sister, we are both big fans of Varga girl culture and fashion. I think this book is lovely, its exactly what I wanted for her. Read more
Published on July 24, 2009 by J. Anderson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent purchase
I didn't realize the book was going to be so big. I was pleasantly surprised. Very sturdy hardback; pictures are incredibly vivid. No complaints whatsoever.
Published on February 23, 2009 by D. Maxwell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Alberto Vargas Pin Up Collections
Great pictures from his best work!
If you are a fan of Pin Ups, this is the Classic!!!!
Foreword by Hugh Heffner who published a lot of Vargas Work in his Magazin. Read more
If you are a fan of Pin Ups, this is the Classic!!!!
Foreword by Hugh Heffner who published a lot of Vargas Work in his Magazin. Read more
Published on May 5, 2008 by M. Hielscher
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