One
of Dalziell's mighty gift book, 19 x 27 cms, 822 pp., and in all copies
I have seen, foxed. It has a decorative exotic binding, perhaps by
John Leighton. The illustrations are in a narrow way impressive, and
Houghton's contributions among the 'eminent artists' are the most
competent (Morten, Pinwell etc). There is throughout the book a pervading
sense of claustrophobia and suppressed passion. Houghton follows the
norm in full length figures in vague polite accommodation with each
other but, every now and then, as he has shown elsewhere, can come
up with the unexpected composition (E3, and partuicularly C2).
The overall
standard of composition is competent and after 800 pages, bordering
on the monotonous. The fantastic posibilities of the Tales are largely
overlooked, and the invention of monsters and djinn is of a low standard.
His drawing
skills are self-evident - always one for sturdy calf muscles - his figures
so often are shown carrying burdens- oppressed by something beyond. The
extent of his hatching often precludes a delicacy, or exotic Oriental
evocation. No bad thing. The illustrations are curiously absent in any
sense of place apart form the whiff of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
D1 is an
odd concept, studying the action underwater. and E3 is a most unusual
open-marked page without the usual restraining walls and the conventional
vanishing points. Two cheers limply for ABH. |