Norman Saunders, illustrator

Norman Saunders

by David Saunders, published by Illustrated Press, 2008

I don’t often buy coffee-table type books, they tend to be read once and put on a tall shelf somewhere, to be taken out only very occasionally. The siren song of this one, however, overcame that reluctance, and I had a marvelous time going through it, enjoying all of the artwork it contains.

Saunders was an interesting person, and I wish, especially since his son is the author, there had been a little more about him in connection with the illustration art, but that’s a minor quibble considering the amount and reproduction quality of years of output contained in this great book.

Saunders did work for all the genres, in most of the illustration periods.

From the publisher’s description:

This is the consummate reference book on the entire lifework of Norman Saunders, with over 880 illustrations, of which more than 300 are from original art, including 30 working drawings, and 30 reference photos as well as 30 historic family photos, and checklists of all published works. 368 pages, 9”x12”, full-color, hardbound with dust jacket.

NORMAN SAUNDERS is the ground-breaking and definitive book on one of the greatest and most prolific illustrators of the 20th century, whose artistic contribution to American popular culture grows even more impressive in retrospect. The one-hundredth anniversary of the artist’s birth is a well-rounded time for reconsideration of his inspiring genius.

This one is a must for anyone who loves illustration, especially dramatic and exciting cover art. Take a look at the entire contents here.

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Note:  Laurie Powers did an excellent interview with Saunders’ son David a few months ago, with a LOT of great information in it about both father and son. You can find it HERE. Well worth your time!