The wit, humanity, and many-sided talent of Norman Rockwell (1894-1978)
are on full display in his classic autobiography. Rockwell's New York
City boyhood, his apprentice days at the Art Students League, his first
fateful visit to the Saturday Evening Post, his adventures abroad, his
move to rural Vermont--all are recounted with a mix of sharp observation
and self-deprecating humor. Throughout Rockwell invites the reader into
his artistic process: he introduces his favorite models, candidly
reveals his biggest flops, and documents the creation of a Post cover
step by step.
This Definitive Edition restores the original 1960 text of My
Adventures as an Illustrator, as well as the playful vignettes that
Rockwell drew to head each chapter. Thanks to a massive image
digitization effort undertaken by the Norman Rockwell Museum, it is also
illustrated with more than 150 of Rockwell's paintings and drawings,
many of which highlight lesser-known aspects of his work. A new
introduction by the artist's granddaughter Abigail Rockwell adds
reference value, as do an illustrated chronology and an annotated
bibliography prepared by the staff of the Norman Rockwell Museum.
This attractive volume will be the essential source on the life of
Norman Rockwell, and delightful reading for anyone who enjoys his art.
Plus, its publication coincides with a major new exhibition at the
Norman Rockwell Museum concerning the autobiographical elements in the
artist's work (Norman Rockwell: Private Moments for the Masses, June 8
through October 27, 2019).
