Tove Jansson (The Illustrators) (HB)
If you have ever felt that Moomin Valley is more than just a children's story, that there is something in Tove Jansson's world that is quietly, persistently unlike anything else, this is the book that shows you why. Paul Gravett's beautifully produced study moves through the full sweep of Jansson's extraordinary artistic life: the Moomin books in rich detail, her political cartoons for the satirical magazine Garm, her illustrated versions of Alice in Wonderland, The Hunting of the Snark and The Hobbit, and her long-running daily strip for the London Evening News. It is a proper, generous appreciation of one of the most original illustrators of the twentieth century, and it is absolutely gorgeous to look at.
We love it because:
- 106 colour illustrations mean this is as much a visual feast as it is a read
- It goes far beyond the Moomin books to reveal the full, fascinating breadth of Jansson's work
- Paul Gravett writes about illustration with genuine expertise and real warmth
- It reframes Jansson as the serious, political, deeply original artist she always was
- The kind of book that makes a brilliant gift for anyone with even a passing love of Moomin
What's in the box:
- One hardback book, 112 pages, 106 colour illustrations throughout
Great for:
- Moomin fans of any age who want to go deeper
- Lovers of illustration, art history and twentieth century design
- A thoughtful gift for a creative person, an artist, or anyone who keeps Moomin books on their shelf
- Anyone curious about the woman behind one of the most beloved fictional worlds ever created
Important to know:
- Hardback, 112 pages, 106 colour illustrations
- Dimensions: 24.5 x 18.7 cm
- Published by Thames and Hudson, October 2022