Book Review: The Women of Edmund Dulac

THE WOMEN OF EDMUND DULAC: THE AMERICAN WEEKLY ILLUSTRATIONS by Albert Seligman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In yet another labor of love from Albert Seligman, we have a new collection of artist Edmund Dulac’s illustrations, which once graced the covers of The American Weekly Sunday newspaper supplements. If you’re unfamiliar with that publication, this book begins with an overview of The American Weekly and its featured artwork.

For eight weeks in early 1929 the magazine featured a “Famous “Vamps” of History” theme. Mid-year 1934 brought seven illustrations of “Follies That Destroyed Famous Queens”, and the summer of 1938 gave us seven “Fighting Women”.

While these certainly weren’t the first themed series in the magazine, they were the first to be printed on a higher quality of newsprint than had previously been used. Also, a change in the magazine’s size coupled with Dulac’s now larger-sized artwork had the happy side effect of sharpening the images. Considering the flimsy nature of newsprint, any improvement is welcome.

I happily added this collection to my collection of Dulac collections. 🙂 Immersing in high quality, richly colored, fantastical illustrations is a wonderful way to escape everyday life for a short time. I love studying the smallest of details; the tapestry and clothing patterns, delicate fingers and toes, jewelry I wish I owned. I especially enjoy intrepeting the emotions expressed on the character’s faces. I’m a big fan of ‘Dulac eyes’. For example, Thomyris’s expression as she gazes on the severed head of Cyrus. And can you imagine how Septima Zenobia, the Queen of Palmyra, is feeling as she realizes she’s about to be captured and tortured? In the same scene, you can see the shock and fear in her son’s expression. Every character that flows from Edmund Dulac’s brush tells a story through body language and facial expressions. No two are alike, and their emotions run the gamut. It’s fascinating and compelling stuff. (And I can’t wait for you to see Molly Pitcher!)

If this is your introduction to Albert Seligman’s series of The American Weekly collections, you’re in for a visual treat. If you’ve been with this project since the beginning, you’re no doubt anxious to dive in once again. Your pre-order today will increase the book’s visibility and help it reach art lovers that are new to these collections. Your own eBook copy will be delivered on March 1st.

THE WOMEN OF EDMUND DULAC: THE AMERICAN WEEKLY ILLUSTRATIONS