Miroslav aek

(Hardback)

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Description

Czech artist Miroslav aek (1916-1980) was remarkable for his unique and pioneering approach to non-fiction picture books, illustrating daily life as if seen from a child's perspective. His bestselling This Is... series eventually totalled eighteen books. A witty collection of travel guides for children, the books employ an avant-garde synthesis of word and image that captures the joyous idiosyncrasies of life and culture in cities and countries around the world. With great insight, acclaimed author Martin Salisbury analyses aek's multifarious oeuvre, and how he became one of the twentieth century's most beloved and significant contributors to the world of picture books. The artist's charming travelogues continue to appeal to adults and children alike, even in a digital age exploding with travel imagery. In this beautifully designed book, illustrated with sketches and original artwork, and featuring examples spanning from Greece to Hong Kong, Rome to San Francisco, Ireland to Israel and more, aek's best-known works come alive alongside lesser-known aspects of his practice, such as painting and puppet-making. With 119 illustrations

Reviews

'For a large number of humans on earth, their first cultural encounter with the feeling of many cities or countries, came from the pens and brushes of Miroslav aek. Paintings and drawings that were part realism, part gestural, but entirely convincing and always charming' - Oliver Jeffers
'Overall, this sharply focused, beautifully designed book is as immersive, informative and fun for the adult reader as any of the 'This is' titles remain for children' - V&A Magazine
'A fascinating overview from author [Martin Salisbury] and a hugely welcome addition to this important series' - @coloursmayvary

Author Bio

Martin Salisbury is Professor of Illustration at the Cambridge School of Art, where he leads the renowned MA Children's Book Illustration programme. He has previously chaired the international jury at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, and been a member of the jury at the Global Illustration Awards in China. His books include Children's Picturebooks: The Art of Visual Storytelling and The Illustrated Dust Jacket: 1920-1970.