Top Hats and Flappers: The Art of Russell Patterson

by Russell Patterson, Alex Chun (Editor)

Rare book

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

176 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30, 2006

Reviews

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely “coffee table book” showcasing the work of the titular artist. I bought this collection because I’ve always been fascinated with artwork from the “jazz age” and just that era overall. This book is great but I felt it could’ve included more.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I like girls. And I like illustrations. From this, one could reasonably assume that I like illustrations of girls, and that assumption is spot on.

Prior to reading this book, I had high regard for Patterson. His women are always so full of life and the spark of femininity. He's like John Held Jr. with better line work. After reading the book, I still feel the same way, but I've gained a newfound respect for Patterson's design work, especially in the 1st and 2nd boom periods of his career.

All in all, a nice book, with a pleasing mixture of text and illustrations. I could have used a little more attribution as to where the illustrations were from, but that was only a minor bump in an otherwise well constructed package.

[Fanta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains full page reproductions of Patterson's B&W line art, some coloured ones, and a few photos of the artist. Exactly what I expect from a book about an artist, great price and quality for this hardcover edition.

[Paul Hasbrouck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of Patterson's art of the Twenties. He seems to capture the energy of wild flappers, the playboys, the showgirls and other creatures of the Roaring Twenties in black/white.