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Miroslav Šašek

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( 58 ratings, 4 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Czech artist Miroslav Šašek (1916-1980) revolutionised non-fiction picture books with his unique approach, capturing daily life from a child's perspective. His bestselling This Is... series of eighteen travel guides combines witty text and avant-garde illustrations to reveal the distinctive culture and charm of cities worldwide. This book by Martin Salisbury explores Šašek's diverse work, from his famous travelogues to lesser-known paintings and puppetry, richly illustrated with 119 pieces spanning locations like Greece, Hong Kong, Rome, and San Francisco.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in art, culture, and children’s literature, as well as those keen on travel and illustration history. Suitable for both adults and older children fascinated by visual storytelling and cultural exploration.

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An introduction to Miroslav Šašek, the world-famous creator of the This Is... series of children's books.

An introduction to Miroslav Šašek, the world-famous creator of the This is series of children's books

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Czech artist Miroslav Šašek (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 Šašek'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, Šašek's best-known works come alive alongside lesser-known aspects of his practice, such as painting and puppet-making.

With 119 illustrations

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  • Miroslav Šašek
    Czech artist Miroslav Šašek (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...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Oliver Jeffers praised Šašek for creating paintings that are part realism, part gestural, yet entirely charming and convincing. V&A Magazine highlights the book as sharply focused and beautifully designed, enjoyable and immersive for adult readers much like Šašek's original titles for children. Reviewer @coloursmayvary calls it a fascinating overview and a welcome addition to the series.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500023341

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 30 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Contributors:

  • Consultant editor Quentin Blake
  • Series edited by Claudia Zeff

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 187.0mm

Height: 245.0mm

Weight: 520g

Pages: 112

About the Author

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.

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