Fantasy of the 20th Century

Collector's Press, 2001. HC, 10x13, FC.An Illustrated History. A lavishly illustrated view of the fantasy genre from Beowulf to Bilbo Baggins. Beginning with ancient legends such as Gilgamesh, Broecker (a fantasy artist in his own right) shows how the fantasy story evolved over the centuries into the entertainment found in modern-day books, comics and films.He has created a comprehensive compendium of well-known (and not-so-famous) fantasy writers, their formats and inspirations, and the young authors who follow in their footsteps to create more brave new worlds: H.P. Lovecraft, Arthur Conan Doyle, Washington Irving, Frank L. Baum, Stephen King, Franz Kafka, Ursula K. Leguin, Harlan Ellison, Terry Pratchett, Robert E. Howard and others.450 book covers, posters, magazine covers and illustrations (all in color) including work by Alan Lee, Dave McKean, Darrell K. Sweet, Hannes Bok, J. Allen St. John, Virgil Finlay, Margaret Brundage, Frank Frazetta, Roy Krenkel, even Von Bayros' rare Divine Comedy. Collectors, aficionados, and readers will be amazed by the depth and breadth of this historical survey.Chapters explore Sword & Sorcery (à la R.E. Howard and Frazetta images), Tolkien's Ring series, Lost Worlds/Lost Races, The Pulp Alchemists--with work right up to the present day.We are very impressed with the selection of images, including rare illustrated books from the early 20th century, to some of the best pulp covers ever, to rare paperback art, dustjackets from the 1950s and far more. Broecker shows an artist's eye for tying together fantasy from many different sources, yet all are the kind that we can appreciate and enjoy. Beautifully designed with gorgeous illustrated black and silver endpapers. Original cover price, $60. Oversize hardcover will require extra postage.…