(Abrams, 2023)
Based on a lifetime of pathfinding research, Pictured Worlds is an international history that highlights the innovative and lasting work of a wide variety of notable children’s book artists of the last two hundred years. Ranging across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa, this sweeping survey is both an in-depth tribute to the genre’s foundational figures and a thoughtful introduction to the contributions of many lesser known but equally worthy and distinctive artists. This large-format volume includes reproductions of more than 500 illustrations, nearly all in color, including dozens of examples of book dummies and other rarely seen preliminary art.
“A stunning collection that presents a treasure trove of children’s books” history . . . the impeccable design and the author’s expertise will delight children’s lit aficionados and academics.”
—School Library Journal, starred review
“This gorgeous, global, encyclopedic treasure trove spanning 200 years of children’s book art will captivate humans of all ages. A bio and an in-depth look at a major work accompany each artist’s lavishly illustrated entry.”
—New York Times Book Review
A “definitive reference work . . . Fans of art history and children’s literature will adore this.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Pictured Worlds does far more than present noteworthy children’s book illustrators and their various styles. It also celebrates the deeply rooted cultural histories reflected in picture books . . . Marcus reveals how children’s picture books intertwine with a much broader cultural context. He includes commentary from other artists and critics throughout and takes care to mention when the featured illustrators were impacted by political unrest, faced backlash, inspired social change and worked in other industries that may have shaped their creative perspective–corporate branding, sculpture and advertising being three among many.”
—Communication Arts
