The Art of Robert E McGinnis Hardcover – Illustrated, 5 Dec. 2014

An excellent book that covers seven decades of creativity from Robert McGinnis. Look through the book and you'll soon be aware that he's an incredibly versatile artist which is probably why he's been in demand for years, he always delivers what the client wants. His paperback covers from the sixties are collected because they feature hard edge dames known as 'McGinnis women' and he painted hundreds. Plenty are shown in these pages fortunately without the bland title and sub-deck typography, the actual covers are shown much smaller.I thought the 'McGinnis women', either nude or clothed very stylised, they all look the same (with the predictable long legs) except for the faces and hair styles. His movie posters and consumer magazine illustrations reveal much about his compositions and painting technique. For example, on page ninety-seven there is a superb picture of Walter Matthau (for the movie: 'The odd couple') sitting in chair reading a paper with his legs laid out on a casual table, the chair, Matthau's clothing, a bowl of fruit and some other food on the table are rendered in what looks like a very casual brush-stroke style but as in fact very precise and deliberate, making the painting totally convincing and eye-catching. A 1968 painting from 'Good Housekeeping' has a bird's eye-view of a white house framed by a lawn and trees, a beautiful composition with added detail of an old fashioned water pump, an electricity box on a wall and rather small, a young girl sitting near a doorway. Away from the girlie art there are plenty of examples of McGinnis creativity throughout the book.The back pages have some wonderful examples of his non-commercial work including twenty showing cowboys in the old Western. I thought the book was an worthwhile overview of a very versatile artist though in common with other books about well known illustrators there is no mention about how McGinnis works. Nothing about his working environment, types of pencils, brushes, paints etc. Including this would really have made the book complete. Look at some spreads from the book at Westread Book Reviews and click on May 2020

Excellent show of Robert McGuinnis's talents as a artist. I have been a big fan for a long time and bought another book about his illustrations a few years ago which though good was not nearly as thorough as this one. I am drawn to the Noir illustrations for books covers like Hardcase Crime and have actually purchased books just because of the cover with their dangerous femme fatales draped under the titles (never been disappointed by their stories either). Same goes for the James Bond posters which I am also of a big fan. Plus there is lots more illustrations for adverts, straight forward paintings, etc.

I came to this via 'Lifestyle Illustrations of the 1950s' and how glad I am that I did! This is simply an outstanding publication crammed with the most gorgeous illustrations by the prodigiously talented McGinnis. Every page is a winner, showcasing the artist's undeniable technical expertise. Although he is primarily an illustrator (often of pulp fiction), it is interesting to see the influences in his work - Klimt, Vuillard, Wyeth, Degas, Rockwell etc.... It is wonderful to see a commercial artist who understands and draws on his artistic heritage so effectively. If you love pulp, 60s spy fiction and beautiful women, you are in for a treat. If you just appreciate looking at the work of a master illustrator, then this is the best £15 you are likely to spend!

A marvellous collection of artwork, well produced. Superb talent.

Very well designed book that showcases the work of the great illustrator Robert McGinnis.This large formatted book covers many different illustrative works of the artist -film posters, magazine and editorial illustration and the iconic paperback covers.Most of this features his classic style of long legged beautiful females.The section relating to his work on the Wild West is stunning ,especially the landscape of the west which is an integral part of the action depicted.An outstanding book which is copiously illustrated and at an affordable price.A must have for any illustrator or a lover of great art.

This is very classy art in an amazing cover! I think there should be posters of every page!! Love great art, glad I stumbled on this book.I hope Mr Robert E Mcginnis is reading this review.I saw another book with the same cover, 'Crime and seduction' is this the exact same book with a different title? If it is a totally different book then I'd buy it!

Excellent book! McGinnis did fabulous book illustrations and some striking movie posters, most notably from some of the James Bond films!

Beautifully produced collection of illustrator Robert McGinnis's art. Good reproduction and a lovely creoss section of his work. May depress you that you will never paint this well! Every illustrator should have this book!