The Knave of Hearts (Calla Editions)
Category: Books,Children's Books,Humor
The Knave of Hearts (Calla Editions) Details
Louise Saunders, talented wife of legendary editor Max Perkins, teamed with one of the most popular illustrators of all time to create this unforgettable fable. Known for his beautiful coloring and humorous touch, Maxfield Parrish's work is iconic — and The Knave of Hearts is his ultimate achievement. Filled with 22 colorful images and lavishly finished with a full-color endpaper painting, this hardcover edition is a collector's classic to treasure.
Reviews
What a beautiful book. Maxfield Parrish was the preeminent artist of the American Renaissance whose influence guided many of the artists we've come to recognize in the years following that arguably unparalleled period in Western cultural evolution.Examining the illustrations rendered in The Knave of Hearts, Parrish' influence becomes patently evident in the subsequent work of Maurice Sendak, Norman Rockwell and Roger Dean, among countless others (note: although Sendak and Rockwell clearly acknowledged Parrish' influence, the uncharitable Roger Dean has spent the last few years suing people he claims stole his ideas; of course, it is a subject of controversy whether Dean ever had any original ideas. See, for instance, Dean's logo for Virgin Records which was an unmistakable replication of Parrish' female archetype).Again, this is a beautiful book. The paper and binding are high quality, but I had to drop a star because the printing was not as crisp as an original I had the fortune to read a few years ago. Even though it is not as crisp, it is still decent and very much worth the purchase price at less than $20. I love this book and its illustrations. Anyone who doesn't know Maxfield Parrish but whose childhood was full of Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, Yes album covers or The Saturday Evening Post will instantly be drawn to his work. The Knave of Hearts is a great place to start.
