In the Beginning: The Art of Genesis: A Pop-Up Book [Hardcover]

Chuck Fischer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 8, 2008

An ingenious series of three-dimensional spreads with fold-outs and narrative booklets, IN THE BEGINNING shows how the timeless narratives of the Book of Genesis have inspired artists for thousands of years and continue to do so today.
This spectacular gift book features Fischer's original artwork on intricate pop-ups created in collaboration with paper engineer Bruce Foster, which represent the classic stories from the first chapter of the Bible. With spreads that range from a medieval-inspired Garden of Eden to an stunningly tall tower of Babel to a magnificent diorama depicting Jacob's dream of a stairway to Heaven, IN THE BEGINNING is destined to become a treasured keepsake and perennial favorite on every family's shelf.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Fischer, the author and designer of four previous pop-up books, including Christmas around the World (2006), presents an impressive, three-dimensional view of the Book of Genesis for older children. Inspired by both a vintage copy of The Golden Children’s Bible and a trip to Rome, Fischer and his collaborators offer a Garden of Eden scene executed in an artistic style that recalls ancient tile work; a huge Noah’s Ark landed atop a mountain; and a Tower of Babel that climbs impressively high, even for a pop-up. The text, more commentary than story, is hidden in inset mini-books and is accompanied by reproductions of biblical masterpieces; those sophisticated elements will be of most interest to adults. The stained glass–like Jacob’s Ladder, and the finale, Pharaoh’s household from the Joseph story, show how this book becomes more amazing as pages are turned. Grades 5-8. --Ilene Cooper

Review

"an impressive, three-dimensional view of the Book of Genesis for older children....this book becomes more amazing as pages are turned."  (Booklist)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 12 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; Pop edition (October 8, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316118427
• ISBN-13: 978-0316118422
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 2 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #954,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Chuck Fischer's latest pop-up creation with paper engineer Bruce Foster, Charles Dickens A CHRISTMAS CAROL was published by Little, Brown and Co. on November 10, 2010. A CHRISTMAS CAROL Pop-Up Book has already been chosen by the New York Times as one of the holidays Best Coffee Table Books and is to be featured in USA Todays
Holiday roundup.

CHUCK FISCHER is a leading author and designer who has taken his unique painting style and effortlessly transferred his signature look to various home furnishings products and books, making his remarkable artistry available to a wide audience.

Fischer's book, Christmas in New York: A Pop-Up Book (Little, Brown & Co.) has become a perennial holiday favorite and is in its fourth printing. Fischer's next book, Christmas Around the World: A Pop-Up Book (Little, Brown & Co.) was published in October 2007, accompanied by an extensive collection of Christmas ornaments produced by Kurt Adler, along with fine paper products by CR Gibson. Christmas Around The World was chosen as one of USA Today's Top Ten holiday books for 2007 and both books appeared on the Barnes and Noble bestseller list. In The Beginning: The Art of Genesis was published by Little, Brown & Company in October 2008. ANGELS: A Pop-Up Book was published by Little, Brown & Co. in October 2009.

Fischer's first three books, The White House: A Pop-Up Book (2004), Great American Houses and Gardens: A Pop-Up Book (2002), and Wallcoverings: Applying the Language of Color and Pattern (2003) were published by Universe/Rizzoli.

Fischer's three signature collections of china and crystal for LENOX, are available at fine department stores in the US and Canada, and his collections of fabric and wallpaper designs are available at F. Schumacher and Co. and Brunschwig & Fils

Fischer's work is in the permanent collection of the COOPER-HEWITT, NATIONAL DEISGN MUSEUM, and he was chosen as a Visiting Artist at the AMERICAN ADADEMY IN ROME. 2009 marks the third year Fischer has been honored with the commission to create the annual holiday card for The White House Historical Association.

Fischer received his B.F.A from The University of Kansas

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Once you pop up, you can't stop! October 4, 2008

By Deborah VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

This is an absolutely stunning book. I love pop up books because they draw you more into the book. It's 3D and you can look at it from all different angles to get a better feel of the book. Genesis is a great book to do a pop up version of as there are lots of wonderful stories to be told. All the familiar stories are there and families will be able to show the pop up and then can go back and read the Bible story behind it. My favorite is Jacob's Dream and the Ladder to Heaven. There's a beautiful stained glass pop up display that towers in front of you. Equally as impressive is the Tower of Babel display which just jumps out at you from the book.There's pullouts with replicas of ancient artwork. I love the research that went into recreating them. I will say just because it is a pop up book does not mean its for kids. The pop ups are rather fragile. It's not just pictures, there is a description of the scene with the history and background. There are also classical paintings incorporated in the art which does include nude paintings therefore it's probably not recommended for young children. There is nothing graphic but little ones might might have a lot of questions when seeing them. It's a beautiful book to put on your coffee table and read with the whole family. I think it would be wonderful to have every book of the Bible in pop up form! If you are a visual learner and love art, this is the book for you.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing! October 26, 2008

By Sally

Format:Hardcover

When I first opened this gorgeous volume, I thought that it was a special book for an older child--someone who would understand how to treasure such a piece of art. However, upon closer inspection, I realize this is no children's book. This is for adults who can properly appreciate not only the artwork--which is breathtaking--but also value the art history included. For centuries, the book of Genesis has been told by artists through their work. Copies of those masterpieces are used to illustrate the text, giving the reader much more than they would expect from a pop-up book.

Details are amazing. The Tower of Babel measures 16" in height. Jacob's dream is like a stained glass window (inside a book!). Hold it up to the light for a breath-catching treat. There's a time line of Joseph's life.

More than a children's book, I can see this as a special gift for an art history enthusiast, a lover of the Bible, or as a coffee table volume. What a conversation piece!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars This stunning pop-up book is not for kids! December 17, 2008

By Alice Berger

Format:Hardcover

The Biblical book of Genesis has been the subject of great art works for many years, and is the inspiration for Chuck Fischer in creating this book. In these six pop-up scenes, he shows in majestic format: the creation, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Noah's Ark, the tower of Babel, Jacob's ladder, and Joseph in Egypt.

These stunning works also include attached booklets that tell the Biblical story that goes with the scene, as well as exploring its meaning, and sharing other great art works that have touched on these stories.

In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Chuck Fischer has created a masterpiece, taking the book of Genesis to a new dimension in these spectacular pop-up scenes. This beautiful book would be perfect for anyone who enjoys great art and Biblical stories.

Reviewer: Alice Berger, Bergers Book Reviews