Product Description
Rich selection of 170 boldly executed black-and-white illustrations ranging from illustrations for Laclos' Les Liaisons Dangereuses and Balzac’s La Comedie Humaine to magazine cover designs, book plates, title-page ornaments for books, silhouettes and delightful mini-portraits of major composers.
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Customer Reviews (4)

Censored Book
This book is censored.Fine for a school library,but not true to the artists actual drawings.

no erotic illustrations

i was a bit dissapointed since i couldnt find the erotic illustrations from Lysistrata of Aristophanes.There are only details and expurgeted versions.

A large collection of Beardsley's great works
Big fan of this book. It's hard to believe he created so much in so little time. This book shows off a lot these works in good detail. I believe this is a must for anyone into art nouveau or Beardsley. Beardsley's use of large black spaces and intricate detail is highly evident in this book. I give it a 8.5 out of 10. Cheers, enjoy.

Hey, take a peek at this.
Inexpensive collection of Beardsley's black & white illustrations, mostly taken from other Beardsley books in the Dover catalogue. Some erotic penwork, but Aubrey's "obscene" art is quite tame by today's standards. Some of it even adorned the covers of magazines in his own time. Of course, the big value of this collection is that it's copyright free. You can use these illustrations in your crafts & collages or scan them for your websites. So, if you like that old decadent Nineties style (I mean 1890, not 1990), this book is one window you can peek through. ... Read more

Product Description
1967 Crown Publishers, Hardcover 1st Edition, later printing ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Collected Drawings of Aubrey Beardsley
What a terriffic book!Loved the black and white drawings, and the history of this designer.I wish I could have gotten a book jacket, but,
well, you sometimes have to forfit.Price was right.Arrived in Speedy time and It is a keeper.

Collected, but not complete
Well, the complete work would be a very thick book. This one gives plenty to enjoy, though. It starts with conventional drawings or lithos, including pieces ("Hail Mary" and "Francesca di Rimini") that capture a romanticism like the Pre-Raphaelites. Just a few pages in, though, we see illustrations from "Le Morte D' Arthur." These illustrations seemed to be the turning point in his career. When you see the whole set of work done for that book, you can see Beardsley's work mature into the style considered his signature. (It seems odd to talk about stages in a career that was so tragically short.)

Beardsley's work is commonly placed within Art Nouveau. It certainly displays the flowing curves and sensuality of that movement. I find the hard contrasts of black ink and open white atypical of Nouveau, and immediately recognizable. He took its sensuality well beyond normal bounds, as seen here in some pairs of his drawings, the original and the bowdlerized forms. His "Lysistrata," sampled here, exaggerates that into satiric bawdy surrounded by effete clothes (what few there are) and manners. The "Earl Lavender" drawing hints at some of the extremes in his "Under the Hill", which is not represented here.

The reproductions are large and legible, making the images easy to enjoy in their detail. I fault this book only for lack of an index or table of contents, making specific images hard to find, and for attributions that seem incomplete. Dates, in particular, are missing from nearly all of the works, even in the extensive catalogue in the back of the book. This is really a picture book, though, and the pictures are all that the reader could hope for.

-- wiredweird

A necessity for any fan of Beardsley
This book has ALL of Beardsley's work accompanied with insightful text. Beware, though -- some of his drawings are of extremely crude sexual nature -- definitely not a book you want on your coffee table when you have in-laws coming in from out of town.

Beardsley did much of his work for shock value, much like his buddy Oscar Wilde, so this is not necessarily TASTEFUL nnudity here. For those who can stomach it though, acquainting yourself with this artist is worthwhile.

Luscious Beardsley - exotica and erotica
This is a large volume (212 pages, incl. index) of Beardsley drawings, mostly in chronological order representing his six years of major creativity - being only 26 when he died.

Extract from 1967 cover: "Here is the art of Aubrey Beardsley full of beauty and decadence, sensuality and sin."

His work is easily recognizable; a unique style of black-and-white line drawings, influenced by Japanese woodcuts and Art Nouveau. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Early Beardsley
This is a remarkable work. First, it is Beardsley's earliest commission, illustrations for Malory's classic. For that reason alone, it will interest fans of Beardsley's drawings.

Second, and what really fascinates me, is that Beardsley developed his drawing style visibly over the course of the 580+ works in this project. When I look at the drawings for the first few chapters, they seem harsh and angular (p.22 for example). In other samples (e.g. p.18-19), Beardsley uses textures to generate tonal effects. By the end of the book, his drawings are much closer to his more familiar style. The lines are more graceful, and there is less use of the middle tones - broad solid blacks and whites dominate.

This is certainly a book for the Beardsley fan. It is also a distinctive example for anyone unsure of what "an artist's development" refers to.

Just a small warning, though - this contains only fragments of the Malory text, and many of the drawings do not appear with the printing that defined their original context. This is about Beardsley's drawings, not about the book in which they appeared.

//wiredweird ... Read more

Product Description
This book analyzes a wide range of Beardsley's most characteristic work. It establishes his assumptions about the underlying nature of his world, and clarifies why so many observers have considered Beardsley's art indispensable to understanding fin-de-siecle Victorian culture. Beardsley's pictures present a dialogue between seemingly polarized impulses: a desire to scandalize and destabilize the old order, and, equally strong, a need to affirm traditional authority.

Beardsley depicted various grotesque shapes, caricatures, and mutated figures, including foetus/old man, dwarf, Clown, Harlequin, Pierrot, and dandy (the icon of the Decadent "Religion of Art"). Incarnating the fearful contradictions of decadence, these images served as objective correlatives of some "monstrous" metaphysical contortion. His grotesques suggest the impossibility of resolving these contradictions, even as his elegant designs try formalistically to control and recuperate the disfiguration.

As a canonical style, Beardsley's "dandy" sensibility and grotesque caricatures become his means of realigning canonical meaning. Thus, he effects what might be termed a "caricature" of traditional signification. An aesthete devoted to the "Religion of Art", Beardsley, nonetheless, creates a world inescapably "de-formed". He is a Dandy of the Grotesque. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Strongly Recommended for the Serious Beardsleyite
Firstly, I feel it important to say that this book is not necessarily for the viewer with only a lightweight, or passing, interest in Aubrey Beardsley - it is a very deep, involved study of the man, as well as of his work.That said, I will say that for the Beardsley fanatic, it is an absolute must-read.
I have read many books on Beardsley, and none reach into his work so deeply as this.The book provides a psychological study, as its basis for review of Beardsley's greatest works.While it does focus on the man's self-identification as a dandy, other facets of his complex personality are also brought to attention, and analyzed.Chris Snodgrass approaches such an endeavor with some detachment, but it is quite clear that he is anything but lukewarm towards Aubrey Beardsley and his art - rather, his admiration for both is apparent.
I would not recommend this book as a first read for the budding Beardsleyite - rather, I'd go with Matthew Sturgis' wonderful biography.This book seems to assume that the reader is already intimately familiar with Beardsley's life story, and also intimately familiar with his works.If you fit in this category, please give this book a read - its value cannot be underestimated.An indispensible reference, and never a dull moment. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Great downloads
I absolutely am thrilled with the downloads in this book.Good, clear and lovely!Would buy it again in a heartbeat!

Exotic renderings of the sensual and the grotesque shocked London society in the 1890s
Among the newest titles in this outstanding Dover Publications series are "Beardsley Illustrations: 221 Royalty-Free Designs" showcasing the work of Aubrey Beardsley whose exotic renderings of the sensual and the grotesque shocked London society in the 1890s and have continued endured in popularity as magazine cover designs, title pages, and poster art. ... Read more

Product Description
Beardsley's work is looked at alongside the work of contemporaries such as Oscar Wilde, Max Beerbohm and W.B. Yeats and against the backdrop of the artistic, literary and social life of fin-de-siecle London, Dieppe and Paris. In addition to the drawings, the book includes examples of Beardsley's innovative book binding, prints and posters, revealing a gallery of portraits and photographs from that decadent period, the "Naughty Nineties." It also explores the diverse influences, such as ancient Greek vase painting and Japanese prints, upon which the young artist freely drew in the formation of his own style.Amazon.com Review
There was little that fin-de-siècle artist AubreyBeardsley's famous gold-nibbed pen could not illustrate--drawings,posters, bookbindings. Though he died of tuberculosis at the age of25, he left an enormous body of work behind that found a willingaudience during his lifetime in the more outré circles of the"naughty '90s" and now symbolizes the decadence of the1890s. Beardsley possessed an astonishing range of expression, but heis perhaps most famous for his outrageous erotic drawings--many ofwhich adorned such artistic magazines as the Savoy and theYellow Book. He pushed public opinion to the limit with hissequence of graphic illustrations for Aristophanes'sLysistrata, which, deemed obscene, remained unpublished until1966.

Biographer Stephen Calloway curated the centenary exhibition ofBeardsley's work at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London duringautumn of 1998. He closely scrutinizes Beardsley's life in the lightof his subversive drawings in this in-depth, superbly illustratedbiography that coincides with the exhibition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Disappointing and Amateurish
It's hard to believe that Taschen published this book. The text contains many basic errors, and the author ascribes various drawings to Beardsley that are widely known to be fakes. Also, the reproduction quality on some drawings is poor. It's a shame because Taschen is generally a really good publisher.

Fantastic overview, great reproduction, must have book
This is an excellent addition to any Beardsley fan's bookshelf. Great reproductions, some rare drawings I've never seen, and interesting photos and supporting artwork and photos of the same era. Very readable, jolly good show! ... Read more

Product Description
The brilliant and brief life of the prodigiously talented, turn-of-the-century English artist, written by a renowned journalist and historian. 28 photos. 30 line drawings.Amazon.com Review
Diagnosed with tuberculosis at age 7, the talk of Londonbefore he turned 22, and dead at 25, Aubrey Beardsley (1872-1898) wasa textbook example of the doomed artist he and his fellow decadentsadmired so much. British journalist and art critic Matthew Sturgispaints an evocative picture of the cultural milieu that shapedBeardsley, with its ferocious rivalry between the idealisticPre-Raphaelites and the more sardonic English impressionists, whoultimately claimed Beardsley's loyalty (though the ambitious teenagerinitially gained the patronage of Pre-Raphaelite Edward Burne-Jones). Theauthor's portrait of Beardsley is equally vivid, limning both hisdandified affectations and underlying sweetness, his dedication to artand the distaste for sustained work that made him the despair of hispublishers. Beardsley's unique black-and-white drawings--perfect forthe new technology of mass reproduction--made a sensation, first withthe commissioned artwork for Malory's Le Morte D'Arthurand Wilde's Salome, then inthe bold periodical he founded with friends, The YellowBook. But Wilde's trial for gross indecency tainted Beardsley(though Sturgis's take is that he was more likely a virgin than ahomosexual); he was fired from The Yellow Book; and histuberculosis worsened along with his commercial prospects. The authordepicts his subject's agonized final months with the same judicioussympathy he trains on "The Beardsley Boom" of 1894. --WendySmith ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Perfect for the Budding Beardsleyite
Among the myriad biographies on Aubrey Beardsley, I have to say that this one stands out.Thorough, in depth and a quick read, it covers his life, work and complex personality perfectly.Although I have enjoyed immensely many other books about the man, I feel that this one provides a great starting point.From Beardsley's birth in Brighton to his untimely death in Menton, his tragic story is told with warmth, pathos and the great knowledge of a man clearly admiring of his subject.This book will open your eyes to new and startling truths about Beardsley and his work, if you have been convinced that his life was one of wanton decadence and sexual excess.What a surprise to learn that this clearly was not the case - rather, Beardsley was a most conservative man.I have for many years admired him and his work greatly, and am personally very thankful that Sturgis wrote this book.
For those more interested in a review of Beardsley's work, I'd suggest Chris Snodgrass' book, Aubrey Beardsley, Dandy of the Grotesque.It stands as a perfect companion to Sturgis' biography.

A Beardsley Biography
Matthew Sturgis' biography of the short-lived pen and ink master of blackand white imagery provides an informative and elegantly written life of ArtNoveau figure Aubrey Beardsley.Discussions of Beardsley's early years,meetings with famous figures like Oscar Wilde and James Whistler, YellowBook fame, and last years full of physical decline are covered withintelligent attention to detail.Also included are several reproductionsof Beardsley's illustrations and the critical response to them.The bookis a fast read that is accessible to those not overly familiar with the manand the period, and is also interesting to the fin-de-siecle conoisseur. ... Read more

Product Description
Lord Alfred Douglas’ translation of Wilde’s great play (originally written in French), with all well-known Beardsley illustrations, including suppressed plates. The best edition. 28 Beardsley illustrations; introduction by Robert Ross.
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Customer Reviews (13)

About the Heritage Press Edition
Decadent, sexual, Byzantine, and finely-made.

This is a Salome of palpable quality. Bound in black cloth with a blind-stamped image of Salome surrounded by stars above John the Baptist's head. With matching slipcase.

Every page of text is laid out with golden-yellow and salmon rules surrounded by Persian arabesques. There are numerous incidental Valenti Angelo illustrations in black and white. His full page illustrations in black, white, blue, and salmon with real gilt.

And, incredibly, the gilt on the full-page illustrations is hand-applied.

Powerful
This play is based on the biblical story of the death of John the Baptist. Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Judea, is married to his brother's wife Herodias, but finds himself lusting after her daughter Salome. Overcome with wine and passion for Salome, he offers her anything to dance the dance of seven veils for him. Little does he know what price she will exact.

Oscar Wilde first published this book in Paris in 1891 in an attempt to bypass Victorian censorship. In 1894 it was translated into English, and published with a series of illustrations created by the incomparable Aubrey Beardsley. This book was quite shocking to Victorian Britain.

This book surprised me with its power. While not erotic in the modern, XXX sense, it is a compelling tale of decadence. The characters give no thought to anything but their own pleasure, and the worst of them all is the young (and far from innocent) Salome. Beardsley's stark, black-and-white pictures add to the tale, complementing Wilde's text with a disturbing, passionless sexuality. This is a fascinating story, and one that I recommend to any adult.

a fascinating story
Salome by Oscar Wilde with Illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley

The Kindle edition of Salome contains Aubrey Beardsley illustrations. A brilliant tale of passion; a very quick and interesting read.

Info
Salome: A Tragedy in One Act
Translated from the French of Oscar Wilde by Lord Alfred Douglas.
With a new introduction by Holbrook Jackson.
Beautifully decorated and hand-illuminated by Valenti Angelo for the Heritage Press, New York.
51 pages.
Copyright 1945.
Hardback book comes in slipcover.

Excellent play with beautiful illustrations
I bought this book for a class, but while I sold most of them back this beauty I kept.The play itself is obscure.Since it was written in (rather poor) French originally and translated back into English, it lacks some of Oscar Wilde's trademark style.This is not to say that the style of the play is without its own merits.As the book is the retelling of a Biblical story- that of Salome, daughter of King Herod, and John the Baptist (Iokanaan in this rendition)- the style of the play often mocks Biblical style.The wording is thus often repetitive and simple, but there's a beauty to it that is in many ways indescrible.While wordy, there is also a particular depth to it that you'll miss if you don't look carefully.Thematically, the play was very entertaining and I enjoyed the revisionist take on the Biblical story.Overall I found this work enthralling.This particular edition is beautiful- it includes all of Aubre Beardsley's stunning ink illustrations of the play. This is well worth having on your bookshelf (although it is rather large- 8x11) ... Read more

Product Description
Aubrey Beardsley, famous by his early twenties, died aged 25 leaving an immense volume of work behind. This collection provides an opportunity to view Beardsley's mature work. It aims to enable the reader to distinguish between the genuine and the hundreds of spurious pastiches attributed to him. ... Read more

Product Description
His illustrations for the 1893–1894 Dent edition of the great Thomas Malory classic made Aubrey Beardsley famous virtually overnight. He not only demonstrated dazzling power and imagination but also captured the critical attention of the international art world—and fired the imaginations of generations of artists with what became known as the “Beardsley look.” This volume contains a rich selection of those splendid drawings, including floral and foliated openings, fauns and satyrs, initials, ornaments, and much more. Characters from Arthurian legend are portrayed in splendid full-page illustrations, bordered with evocative and fecund sinuosities of plant and flower. Artists and designers will find here a source of superb designs, graphics, and motifs for permission-free use. 66 black-and-white illustrations.
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Customer Reviews (1)

Great Bargin
This book is sold at a great price, and it is a nice size ( 11 x 8) so the pictures are easily viewed. This is, of course, only a selection, but it is a fun selection of excellent pictures which can be studied for the method employed or just for the joy of looking at the illustrations that helped make Beardsley's Le Morte Darthur so famous.Five stars for the affordable price, the size, and the well printed selection of drawings.Please note they are all black and white. ... Read more