Laurence S. Cutler

Excellent overview of this incredible artist and his contribution to American culture. This book is worth getting just for the amazing complete collection of Saturday Evening Post covers. I had no idea about Leyendecker's sexual orientation, but the author adds an undercurrent of sadness in the details of a closeted homosexual living in the early 20th Century. Among the many surprises I uncovered was the modeling career of actor Brain Donlevy (I can never watch Quatermass in the same way again) and Leyendecker's invention of the classic Santa Claus costume. This book will be of interest to just about anyone interested in art or popular American culture.… (more)

A 47th birthday gift from my folks, I was touched by their boldness in trying to select a book for me. Usually, if it's one I would have liked, I've already bought it. But they struck gold this time, with a sumptuous reference, biography and portfolio of one of my favorite artists, Maxfield Parrish. Much of the beautiful artwork here is duplicated in another Parrish book I own, but much is new. And the biographical material is more frank and complete, less airbrushed in tone and substance than the earlier book. In all, a satisfying addition to a collection of art books.… (more)