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.