Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Beauty And The Beast

This post isn't about the Disney version, although I love that film. (I'll have to devote an entire post to that movie another day!) This is about a beautifully illustrated book.
The illustrations are by the wonderful Hilary Knight. You may be familiar with his work from the Eloise books. This edition of Beauty And The Beast was printed in 1963.
My oldest sister gave this book to her two "little sisters" for Christmas that year. I ADORE these gorgeous illustrations in all of their Art Nouveau-style glory. If you think these are nice, you should see the double-page spreads!
I truly feel that this is one of the most beautifully illustrated books I own - and I have a lot of favorite artists!
This book has a foreword by Jean Cocteau, who himself made a wonderful version of the film in France in 1946. Aren't these illustrations fantastic?

8 comments:

  1. Oh I just love that book so much. I could live off those illustrations! I am so glad you are still happy with your gift 45 years later. Love T

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  2. Beautiful illustrations. Thanks for sharing them. Oh, I just love books!

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  3. "Me too!", she said, in the understatement of the century.

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  4. Wow! These illustrations are beautiful. I am not familiar with that book. Thank you for sharing it with us. Twyla

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  5. They are fantastic indeed! You asked about the hotel -- we stay at the Hyatt. It's close enough and not nearly as pricey :)

    Hugs,
    Dena

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  6. Ohhh! I can't tell you how excited I am to have found your blog. I remember reading this book when I was in elementary school and being mesmerized by the illustrations. Do you know where I can get this book? I don't see it on Amazon...

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  7. This is my favorite verision of Beauty and the beast EVER!!! I was just talking ot my mom the other day that it is such a shame that it's been out of print for so long.

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  8. I have been looking for my favorite book from when I was a little girl for so long! Thank you for posting those gorgeous illustrations. I wish I could find a copy! If anyone has any info about how to find this book please contact me at dtonguis@yahoo.com.
    Thank you!
    Dtonguis

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