Leonard Baskin (1922–2000)

I found this at the ABAA: Hosea Baskin's father was an avid book collectors [sic] and his mother still is, and his aunt and uncle were booksellers, so it seemed inevitable that he would end up in the field. Following several occupations in the rare book field, Hosea founded Cumberland Rare Books in Northampton, MA in 1995..." And, at http://www.vintagechildrensbooksmykidloves.com/2011/10/hosies-alphabet.html, this: ?á"American artist, sculptor, print maker and friend to the Plath/Hughes family, Leonard Baskin was known for his dark and sometimes strange etchings and paintings. Here, at the urging of his family, he created an alphabet book (his first work for children) in collaboration with his wife and sons. A Caldecott Honor book, each spread pictures a single illustration with appropriate alphabetic explanations..." So... basically it's self-indulgent artsy fartsy, but it also definitely has appeal for the right audience. ?áI was intrigued enough to find a 2nd-hand copy online.?á The only page I love is 'Hosie's heron,' free & open & lovely. ?áI appreciate the life-size 'A furious fly' of course, but I can't say it's attractive. ?áIf I were actually an artist myself, I'm sure I'd appreciate the talent shown by these illustrations. ?áAs is, I'm going to keep the book. ?áI just don't know if I'm going to save it intact for (still-hypothetical) grandchildren, or remove the best pages and frame them. Difficult to rate."… (mer)