The art of predicting earthly events from the movements of stars and planets has always been a source of fascination. Medieval astrologers, though sometimes feared to be magicians in league with demons, were usually revered scholars whose ideas and practices were widely respected. Politics, medicine, weather forecasting, cosmology and alchemy were all influenced by astrological concepts. Astrology in Medieval Manuscripts explores the dazzling complexity of western medieval astrology and its place in society, as revealed by a wealth of illustrated manuscripts from the British Library's rich medieval collection.

Edward Ardizzone RA (1900-79) was one of relatively few British artists who defined the field of illustration for their generation. Although his work as an artist and illustrator was wide-ranging, it is for his illustrated children's books, almost continuously available since they were first published from the late 1930s onwards, that he is best known. This book provides the first fully illustrated survey of Ardizzone's work, analysing his activity as an artist and illustrator in the context of 20th-century British art, illustration, printing and publishing. Copiously illustrated with many previously unpublished images, Edward Ardizzone: Artist and Illustrator also contributes more broadly to the current reassessment and investigation of mid-20th-century British art and illustration. Alan Powers (author of the bestselling Eric Ravilious: Artist and Designer) has written a critically considered text which draws for the first time on the family's archives, those of Ardizzone's publishers, and conversations with those who knew the artist. This beautiful and enlightening book, which reflects in its design and production values the aesthetic of an artist who was closely involved in the production of his own illustrated books, will be a fascinating read both for specialists as well as for readers who have grown up with the unforgettable characters of Ardizzone's classic children's stories.

Fashion illustration is skilful and inventive, and the best fashion illustrators can fulfil a brief creatively using their own unique approach. Visually-led and extremely accessible, this book is the go-to resource for anyone wanting to develop their own style. Easy-to-follow exercises are designed to build confidence and encourage experimentation as readers develop essential skills and learn simple and effective tips and tricks. With concise, accessible chapters on topics such as proportion, movement, line, shape and volume as well as sections on tricky areas such as hands and feet, Creative Fashion Illustration is essential reading for anyone looking to enhance their basic drawing skills. Whether coming to fashion illustration for the very first time, a student looking to develop their techniques and expand their portfolio, or even a more experienced illustrator looking for fresh ideas, this book is the ideal guide to imaginative fashion illustration that will stand out from the crowd.

The Greek myths are timeless classics, whose scenes and figures have captivated us since ancient times. The gods and heroes of these legends hold up a mirror to the human condition, embodying universal characteristics and truths - whether it be the courage of Perseus, the greed of Midas, the vaulting ambition of Icarus, the vengeance of Medea, or the hubris of Niobe. These traits are the basis for immortal dramas and rich narratives, as profound as they are entertaining, which form the bedrock of our culture and literature today and remain relevant and fascinating for all readers, young and old alike. This edition contains 47 tales based on the most famous episodes in Greek mythology, from Prometheus, the Argonauts, and Theseus to the Trojan War and Homer's Odyssey. The individual texts are selected from the seminal work Sagen des klassischen Altertums (Gods and Heroes: Myths and Epics of Ancient Greece) by Gustav Schwab (1792-1850), and strikingly illustrated by 29 artists, among them outstanding representatives of the Golden Age of Book Illustration and the Arts and Crafts Movement, including Walter Crane (1845-1915), Arthur Rackham (1867-1939), William Russell Flint (1880-1969), and Virginia Frances Sterrett (1900-1930). These illustrations are complemented by scene-setting vignettes for each story and a genealogical tree of Greek gods and goddesses by Clifford Harper, commissioned especially for this volume. Placing the tales in context, the book contains a historical introduction by Dr. Michael Siebler and is rounded off with biographies of all featured artists as well as an extensive glossary of ancient Greece's most famous protagonists. The heroism, tragedy, and theater of Greek mythology glimmer through each tale in this lavishly illustrated edition, awakening the gods and heroes to new life.

Philip Kelleway discusses the work of the Johnstone twins, two of the most prolific illustrators of children's books in 20th-century Britain.

Comprehensive, profusely illustrated archive by two of the world's foremost collectors of pictorial symbols-and devoted flower enthusiasts. Their pictures, rendered from rare illustrations, extend from ancient Chinese lotus buds to a basket of flowers in a nineteenth-century Valentine silhouette. The symbolic meaning of every known species-from absinth to zinnia-is summarized in a table. A visual treat for flower lovers, this essential sourcebook, with its permission-free artwork, will be of value to artists and designers, folklore enthusiasts, as well as botanical and gardening specialists. Over 200 black-and-white designs and illustrations.

Symbolic meanings for:
Acacia Rod of Aaron Bo Tree Mistletoe
Passionflowe Edelweiss Heliotrope Tears of Job
Laurel Olive Tree Black Poplar Apple of Sodom
Barnacle Tree Houseleek Ice Plant Mandrake

. . . and many other botanical varieties.

By turns hilarious, satirical, and brilliant, David Shrigley's full-page illustrations a combination of drawing, comics, photography, and sculpture are sui generis: uproariously funny, pleasantly unnerving, and, most of all, really, really cool. Neither "graphic novel" nor "art book," What the Hell Are You Doing? celebrates the surreal world of the artist who created Ants Have Sex in Your Beer and To Make the Meringue You Must Beat the Egg Whites Until They Look Like This the man Dave Eggers calls "probably the funniest gallery-type artist who ever lived."

Keanu Reeves: actor, musician, dog lover. He's the internet's boyfriend. The poetic petrolhead. The guru on a surfboard. Part samurai, part samaritan. He is, very simply, 'The One'. 'James has been my movie guru for years and now he's my spiritual guru too! From now on I'm going to ask myself: 'What would Keanu do?' Jo Whiley In this hilarious book of pocket philosophy, film critic and Keanu fan James King reveals what makes Mr Reeves so special. He unpacks iconic films from the Bill & Teds to the John Wicks, as well as the star's own free-spirited life, showing us why the great man with the great hair has all the answers. And how everyone can #bemorekeanu. 'A handsome, cool, enigmatic Gen X'er who never seems to age, James King is the perfect man to write about Keanu Reeves.' Stephen Merchant

This definitive edition collects all of Kilian Eng's otherworldly landscapes and retro-futuristic illustrations in one massive volume, including previously unpublished works. Each dreamlike image immerses the viewer in a unique environment, full of engrossing detail and surreal beauty.

In pursuit of both knowledge and delight, the craft of botanical illustration has always required not only meticulous draftsmanship but also a rigorous scientific understanding. This new edition of a TASCHEN classic celebrates the botanical tradition and talents with a selection of outstanding works from the National Library of Vienna, including many new images. From Byzantine manuscripts right through to 19th-century masterpieces, through peonies, callas, and chrysanthemums, these exquisite reproductions dazzle in their accuracy and their aesthetics. Whether in gently furled leaves, precisely textured fruits, or the sheer beauty and variety of colors, we celebrate an art form as tender as it is precise, and ever more resonant amid our growing awareness of our ecological surroundings and the preciousness of natural flora. About the series TASCHEN is 40! Since we started our work as cultural archaeologists in 1980, TASCHEN has become synonymous with accessible publishing, helping bookworms around the world curate their own library of art, anthropology, and aphrodisia at an unbeatable price. Today we celebrate 40 years of incredible books by staying true to our company credo. The 40 series presents new editions of some of the stars of our program-now more compact, friendly in price, and still realized with the same commitment to impeccable production.

Having learned about geometry, perspective and representation of materials in the first volume, this second book in this two-part series delves deeper into the process of designing jewelry, from the first sketch to the final representation, with special emphasis on how to work on ideas, plan a collection, and design and depict a wide variety of pieces, taking the inspiration from natural forms or art history. The fundamentals of drawing different pieces, such as necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets, are carefully explained and illustrated in the book, which includes all the technical details to be taken into consideration when planning a jewelry piece, from the executive point of view. While the first volume focused on the tools needed to be able to accurately convey ideas, draw different materials, facets and effects, and master the use of color, this publication tackles the process from the initial idea, based in natural or geometrical forms, to the final drawing of the completed piece, including illustration techniques and sources of inspiration, all aspects that will stir up the reader's creativity. It is the ultimate tool and resource for jewelry students and professionals, and even illustrators in search of professional guidelines in freehand drawing and painting techniques when representing jewelry.

"I like the way the author has developed the croquis and the steps. It starts on the basis of anatomy, and how to draw anatomy and mixes it with fashion proportions" - Patrick Brown-Hayes, Washington State University, USA "Beautiful organization, excellent logical structure. Love the exercises inserted into the flow of the book" - Nicolas ChampRoux, Houston Community College, USA Learn the beginner level steps of fashion drawing, The book shows you illustrated step-by-step instructions that you can follow to build your skills until you're able to draw the female, male and children's fashion figures. Learn to develop fast designer concept sketches called croquis. Quick reference sheets, model poses, timed exercises, do's and don'ts, and online practice templates will help you gain confidence as you progress in fashion drawing. You'll also learn how to draw figures of diverse sizes and backgrounds, so you can design clothes for anyone. Features * Visual reference pages in the book are also downloadable as a quick reference guide to reinforce specific topics * Variations of model poses throughout the book will aid you in getting the right proportions for a variety of views * Includes instructions for drawing faces, hands, and feet * Example drawings from students and professionals included to inspire your own personal style * Easy to follow steps for drawing garments on the figure * Separate chapters included for drawing men and children Beginner's Guide to Sketching the Fashion Figure STUDIO Access downloadable files for additional exercises, templates, and croquis Image bank of additional drawings for inspiration and practice

Perched on a little camping stool, artist Tommy Kane draws what he sees. His remarkable career has taken him around the world, and he has documented the people and places he's encountered in his unique painting and drawing style--on location--wherever he goes. He calls New York home, but has a growing international following. "An Excuse to Draw "is the first book-length collection of Kane's work, and it is filled with full-page illustrations and reproductions of pages taken from his sketch books.
Kane has worked in advertising as a creative director for more than thirty years. His style is inspired by comic artists like R. Crumb and James Jean, and by "Mad Magazine"--but his interpretations of the world are decidedly original. With a bag filled with pens and watercolors, Kane records the world as he travels, bringing readers along for the ride. Witty descriptions and observations accompany the hand-drawn, full-color illustrations found throughout the book. Beautifully produced and exquisitely designed, "An Excuse to Draw" is the perfect introduction to the world of Tommy Kane.

Over seventy years of quintessential London views in one box In 1950, aged 19, David Gentleman arrived in the capital, ready to begin his life as an artist. Over the next seven decades, he would sketch, paint, and engrave his way through London, documenting the cityscape, and shaping it, too - most notably through his iconic mural in Charing Cross Underground Station. Combining world-famous imagery with unexpected scenes of daily life in the city, this box of London artworks is a treasure trove for all those who flock to the capital. 'David Gentleman is London's visual laureate' Quentin Blake

This survey of Arthur Rackham's early work features 44 colour plates in addition to several black-and-white vignettes and spot illustrations. Most of the images depict fantastic dwarfs, giants, elves, and fairies as well as naturalistic illustrations far removed from the fairy world.