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A review by dark_reader
Swords: An Artist's Devotion by Ben Boos
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
As a dad, I've made better use of libraries than ever before. I loved drifting through a well-stocked children's section for picture books that could fire the imagination, with amazing and well-suited artwork, and text that reflected heart, love, and wit.
This is not one of those—although, "Hey, small child, look at these cool swords," has its appeal—but I did discover its companion, Fantasy: An Artist's Realm on this one beloved library's oversized children's book shelf (there was a lot of awesome stuff there, like Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time and multiple Graeme Base books). And a love of that one led me to this one, and when we moved away I bought copies for our home, and here we are.
Boos was a talented digital artist in California who died too early, I believe in a motor vehicle collision, in 2011. These two books of his demonstrate his sheer love of creation and open self. While this book of swords isn't indispensible, it's a joy to pick up and flip through time and time again. For all the purpose of these weapons, the book demonstrates no violence; it's a simple ode to craftsmanship and design.
The book is divided into various sections to highlight different cultural representations and uses of swords around the world and across time. There are small tidbits of historical information and explanations of the use of different types of blades, but mostly it's just a visual presentation of the variety of such things. I can't fault his research, and he cites multiple sources for deeper exploration. The digital media tools he worked with show their age now, but the layout and design of the book are perfect.
I love that the artist was able to share his love with the world in this way.
This is not one of those—although, "Hey, small child, look at these cool swords," has its appeal—but I did discover its companion, Fantasy: An Artist's Realm on this one beloved library's oversized children's book shelf (there was a lot of awesome stuff there, like Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time and multiple Graeme Base books). And a love of that one led me to this one, and when we moved away I bought copies for our home, and here we are.
Boos was a talented digital artist in California who died too early, I believe in a motor vehicle collision, in 2011. These two books of his demonstrate his sheer love of creation and open self. While this book of swords isn't indispensible, it's a joy to pick up and flip through time and time again. For all the purpose of these weapons, the book demonstrates no violence; it's a simple ode to craftsmanship and design.
The book is divided into various sections to highlight different cultural representations and uses of swords around the world and across time. There are small tidbits of historical information and explanations of the use of different types of blades, but mostly it's just a visual presentation of the variety of such things. I can't fault his research, and he cites multiple sources for deeper exploration. The digital media tools he worked with show their age now, but the layout and design of the book are perfect.
I love that the artist was able to share his love with the world in this way.