There are very few decent collections of J C Leyendecker’s art. He’s one of the masters from the Golden Age of illustration, and had great influence on the better-known Norman Rockwell. Personally I think Leyendecker is superior in the medium, his technique is more graphic and confident, employing unique cross-hatching strokes, although his characters are less endearing than Rockwell’s.

This book has numerous large reproductions of finished works as well as some nice sketches and studies. I’d like to see as a follow-up a collection just for the studies actually, as was done for Mucha. The text lacks detail on Leyendecker’s process, focusing instead on his personal life with some rather reaching statements. The reproductions of all his Post covers are small and muddy, but the full-page prints are all well balanced and crisp. There’s also a large spread that’s not from the original, but a counterfeit copy. Despite the flaws, this book is the best source for Leyendecker’s art and a very worthwhile investment.

J.C. Leyendecker by Lawrence and Judy Cutler. 256 pages, hardcover, full color. Available from Amazon or your local independent bookstore.