The Art of Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Steampunk - (Pie × Hiroshi Unno Art) by Hiroshi Unno (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A beautiful visual history book of fantasy art from Romanticism and steampunk to modern illustrations from novels. Art has always been one of the most vivid ways to express people's imagination. Fantasy art illustrates the full range of human fears and dreams, from mythology, the Bible, and the artist's own original and exciting stories.

This book describes the history of fantasy art from Romanticism in the 18th century to the modern era by exploring the masterpieces of fantasy artists: William Blake, John Martin, Albert Robida, Jules Gabriel Verne, H.G. Welles, and more. It also shows illustrations from science fiction and fantasy novels such as Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, poems and stories by Edgar Allan Poe, mystery novels by Agatha Christie, and contemporary fantasy novelists such as J.R.R. Tolkien and Michael Ende.

This book illustrates the remarkable transition of fantasy art that occurred in 19th century when steampunk was introduced to the fantasy art world. Steampunk was unique because it was a fantasy-based style that was inspired by a real event, the Industrial Revolution. Today, the influence of steampunk can be seen in everywhere, from legendary films by Walt Disney and Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli. This book will surely satisfy all lovers of fantasy art and literature.

Review Quotes

-- "The Fox Magazine"

"the book is a well-researched and informative history of fantasy art that explores how various art movements influenced it."
-- "Comic Book Movie.com"

"As you delve deeper into its striking pages, you will realize how there is more at stake than just nostalgia....There is a lengthy introduction by Hiroshi Unno about the origins and evolution of gothic and steampunk in the various timelines of history."
-- "ABookOf.Us"

"Heady stuff, this is a story meant to be told in pictures--hundreds of full-color reproductions of paintings, posters, storyboards, fairy-tale art, and more."
-- "Foreword Reviews"

"I really enjoyed looking at all the images. Not only are they all fanciful, but they are all historic, as well. They tell a tale of how we've seen things through time."-- "Genre Traveler"

"If you fancy yourself a true connoisseur of steampunk, here's your new bible. The Art of Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Steampunk is a drop-dead gorgeous tome that will look just right next to your rusted gear collection."
-- "Daily Dot"

"If you like for your artbooks to actually teach you something rather than collect dust after you look through them once, The Art of Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Steampunk is for you."
-- "Daily Dot"

"Not only was I pleasantly surprised by it, I'm happy to give it a permanent place in my library."
-- "Brutal Gamer"

"One of the most unique and interesting books to cross my desk for review this year"
-- "Sci-Fi Movie Page"

"The depth of color and gorgeousness of this book's page design drags the reader deeper into the world Unno explains to readers, providing a memorable history of fantasy art that will long longer in your mind."
-- "Comics Bulletin"

"The greatest challenge readers will face is stopping themselves from tearing the pages out to plaster their walls with the beautiful artwork."
-- "MISC Magazine"

"The wealth of artwork and information here must be applauded. If this book leads readers to search out other reproductions and connections, it will have done its job. Lovers of fantastic art and its antecedents will enjoy all the eye candy on view."
-- "Locus Magazine"

"This book is a delight for the eyes that also prompts you to think about the connectivity of artistic movements."
-- "The Nerdy Girl Express"

"This book offers a never-before-seen level of historical analysis and illustrative detail in respect to fantasy art and literature."
-- "Fashion Maniac"