Customer Reviews

In Search of Forever

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was bought this book probably back in 1984/5 by my father, when fantasy art was in it's heyday. It might not be the newest of titles but artwork like this just does not age. It's a very glossy book that does contain mostly pictures with a little narration. Rodney Matthews covers all aspects of fantasy art from breathtaking landscapes, creatures, warriors, apocolypse worlds and one or two amazing full on battle scenes. Over the years I've tried to recreate his pictures over and over. Any serious fantasy fan should have this on their bookshelf. If you can get it then do yourself a favour and GET IT!

Rodney Matthews mapped out a field of his own in the 1970s with a refreshing new take on the fantasy image that, in my opinion, has yet to be bettered. And this anthology of his earlier work ( up to 1983 ) is also hard to beat. It includes examples of his best-known posters, record sleeves and book covers, plus preliminary sketches, logos and lettering. A biographical section provides background on his formation and technique, and the balance between text and image is just right. Most illustrations are in colour - faithful reproductions of the originals - and a few occupy double-page spreads, nearly mini-posters themselves.
Matthews captured the spirit of the age in a surprisingly trenchant way, and this book furnishes a fine overview of his style. Best of all, his heart is in it - behind the arresting, angular creatures and the sometimes cold, harsh landscapes, we see the man whose skill and vision supplied a mirror to our dreams long before "The Lord Of The Rings" became a celluloid phenomenon. No mean feat by no mean artist!