The J. C. Leyendecker Collection: American Illustrators Poster Book [Paperback]

Kent Steine (Author), Frederic B. Taraba (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1995

During a career spanning more than 50 years, J.C. Leyendecker virtually invented the look of the modern magazine cover, introduced a style of mannerism embraces by the whole country, and inspired artists and designers. This book offers first-quality reproductions photographed directly from Leyendecker original works many of which have never before been published.

Product Details

• Paperback: 46 pages
• Publisher: Collectors Pr; 1ST edition (November 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0963520288
• ISBN-13: 978-0963520289
• Product Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #674,089 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MASTER OF HIS ART, August 9, 2000

By 

Jerrod Maruyama "mediaboy" (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The J. C. Leyendecker Collection: American Illustrators Poster Book (Paperback)

You might not know his name but if you've ever seen the cover of The Saturday Evening Post, then you've probably seen at least on of his unforgettable images. Back in the hey day of commercial illustration Leyendecker was a celebrity. He practically created the look so associated with such publications. His dapper, muscular men and angelic women graced magazine covers and countless advertisements. His Arrow shirt man, based on the likeness of his live-in lover, was a star all his own. Whether it was his annual New years babies, homoerotic portryals of masculinity, or Norman Rockwellian vignettes Leyendecker made his art look easy. Unfortunately, there is little available on his interesting life and artistry. This book is a wonderful showcase of his work, featuring oversized prints all ready for framing. He is an artist that should be known, remembered and honored. And if you're really a fan, keep your eye out for a very rare book on Leyendecker that I have only seen in auction.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book of Leyendecker art, November 3, 1999

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The J. C. Leyendecker Collection: American Illustrators Poster Book (Paperback)

This book establishes J. C. Leyendecker as one of the great & important, but now often overlooked, illustrators of the early 20th century. He was one of the most popular magazine & advertising artists of his time.

Leyendecker's subjects are people, all with strong character & expression, painted in exquisite detail. There are ancient warriors, magnificent football players & businessmen in fine suits portrayed as modern heroes of the 1920's.

The authors do an excellent job of profiling this very private man, explaining the development of his style and career. His working technique using many preliminary studies leading to a perfect finished painting is shown.

There are 16 full-page single sided plates showcasing a wide variety of Leyendeckers's finest work. They are printed in beautiful color on heavy stock and would look great framed. I really enjoyed learning about this great artist.

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Short, unoriginal text but nice reprints of a few drawings., September 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The J. C. Leyendecker Collection: American Illustrators Poster Book (Paperback)

Useful mainly for the reproductions of the more popular drawings for those wanting prints to frame, this is now the only Leyendecker title in print. The Schau 1974 book, long out of print, is far better with more illustrations, although not as glossy. The book ignores the fact that JCL was gay and offers few of the many gay drawings and ads he did.