The Great American Pin-Up

Rating:
Summary: "The Classy Pin-Up Book"
Review: "Most of the art work displayed in this book,"The Great American Pin-Up", is that of some of the best influential pin-up artists of our time. I believe that the creativity (then) is what makes the impact on what great pin-up art was (and still is) all about. From my point of view as a pin-up artist myself, that Vargas, Petty, Elvgreen, and so many others, are the reasons for my influence on the way I draw and paint the female form. I think that is how pin-up art should always be appreciated, respected and remembered even in the way of today's standards." Peace, Jon Hul

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: An absolutely brilliant book. It bridges the gap between coffee table book and text book. An excellent overview of pinup art with glorious reproductions of the original pinup girls.

Rating:
Summary: Artistic talents displayed in pin-up book
Review: At last, the history of an art form seen by millions around the world during this century, but little documented. The biographies are concise and the illustrations give a good representation of each artists' work. The German printing is outstanding with excellent clarity and colour rendition. In order to make this a better guide and reference work, I would suggest these improvements for the next edition. First, a title or caption, and date, for each picture. This places a work in context with others and would illustrate the fun associated with pinup art. Secondly, the biographies should be in one alphabetical order. An artist, and examples of his or her work, would be easier to find. Additional books, magazine articles and collections, such as that of Alberto Vargas at the University of Kansas, need to be mentioned. Lastly, inclusion of relevant Internet sites and publishers would provide additional sources of information for collectors, art students and others. Although not perfect from an informational standpoint, this book is a real attraction to the eye and senses and well worth the purchase price.

Rating:
Summary: Great Chronicle beyond VARGAS, PETTY, and Elvgren
Review: Before I got this book, and being a WWII nose art reproduction artist myself, I really knew only of the big three! This book is phenomenal as it lists dozens of artists who perhaps have not gotten the same recognition as their more famous counterparts, but still deserve to have their work seen. This is a collection of artists with usually no more than 10pg/artist. Stay away from this if all you want is Vargas, Petty, or Elvgren. A MUST BUY IF YOU WANT TO EXPLORE THE RICH HISTORY OF THE PIN-UP! HUGE BOOK, good layouts, EASILY WORTH THE MONEY

Rating:
Summary: A Marvelous Compilation
Review: I simply want to echo all of the positive reviews of this book. It is a visual feast; highly informative; and a wonderful value. As one reviewer previously noted, the book's only major shortcoming is the lack of picture titles.

By virtue of being so comprehensive, this book provides an excellent starting point for assessing the importance of pinup art in our country's recent history. No matter what you might think about the moral implications of its racier subject matter or its value as "serious" art, you cannot deny the stunning achievement of the artists represented in this volume. Almost without exception, the women depicted in this volume are endearing, sexy and spunky. The author and the publisher are to be commended for bringing this unprecedented volume to print.

Rating:
Summary: Great American Pin-Up Review
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed "The Great American Pin-Up" because there is finally a book that documents the history of pin-up artwork. The images are brilliant and beautiful and the brief histories of the artist provide a look into their work. The only thing i'd change about this would be to add the titles of the individual peices of art. Other than that, the book was wonderfully written and composed.

Rating:
Summary: can't put it down
Review: the pictures in this book absolutely comes alive. famous pin-up artist's best works are included as well as their bio. I would have liked little more Elvgren and Vargas works but overall picture, it is sexy, gorgeous and I love every page!

Rating:
Summary: Great Pin-Up Art from a Bygone Era
Review: This coffee table book is a good cross-section of sexy pin-up art of a bygone era that knew that showing less was more. These renderings are definitely more enticing than a lot of today's artists who don't leave anything to the imagination by showing a girl spread-eagle on the hood of a car.

Definitely a "must-buy" or at least a "must-peruse" the next time you see it at a bookstore or on someone's shelves.

Rating:
Summary: From The Garage To The Coffee Table
Review: This is an excellent overview of the genre, on an artist-by-artist basis, from the classic era of the mid-twentieth century. All of the artists here are deserving of recognition, though only a handful of them are truly well-known and adequately documented in print elsewhere. All of the many artists here are well-represented; the reproduction is flawless, and the commentary is intelligent and well-researched. The original edition is my point of reference here, so I can't vouch for this one fully, but it appears to have maintained the integrity of the earlier printing and is a very handsome production as well.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Collection of Art & Artists
Review: This is one of the finest collections of pin-up art from the talented artists that brought these beautiful women to life. These were very risque for their time but they were a true celebration of women. This is the kind of open mindedness and genuine appreciation missing from today's society. Women are wonderful, intelligent, beautiful people and life would be a tragedy without them. There...I said it!