What do you think?
Rate this book
Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat
This exquisitely produced collector’s edition redefines Dr. Seuss as an iconic American artist. Illustrator by day, surrealist by night, Dr. Seuss created a body of little-known work that he called his “Midnight Paintings.” For sixty years, this work allowed Geisel to expand his artistic boundaries outside the confines of commercial influences and deadlines.
A handsome slipcase holds the cloth-covered edition of The Cat Behind the Hat, along with four lithographs ready for framing. The book exuberantly juxtaposes Geisel’s “Midnight Paintings” with his best-loved children’s books. Though he fiercely protected his “Midnight Paintings” from criticism during his lifetime, his intention all along was for these works to be seen when he was gone. This comprehensive look at the art that he created over his lifetime is an eye-opening peek behind the public persona into the real story of the man who was Dr. Seuss.
A handsome slipcase holds the cloth-covered edition of The Cat Behind the Hat, along with four lithographs ready for framing. The book exuberantly juxtaposes Geisel’s “Midnight Paintings” with his best-loved children’s books. Though he fiercely protected his “Midnight Paintings” from criticism during his lifetime, his intention all along was for these works to be seen when he was gone. This comprehensive look at the art that he created over his lifetime is an eye-opening peek behind the public persona into the real story of the man who was Dr. Seuss.
318 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
5 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 15, 2013
This gorgeous and instructive volume feels like a companion piece to the traveling exhibit of Seuss's art - I saw that, and with the stunning and spacious reproductions, this is a more paced way to engage the many, many pieces that span his career and lifetime, magazine-cover illustrations, product ads especially the Essomarine ads that included Secrets of the Deep and his creation of the Seuss Navy), his "Unorthodox Taxidermy" specimens, cartoons, children's books and "Midnight Paintings" that were only unveiled after his death. And it is filled with his whimsey and wit, and development and style (even if you lose some of their size, texture of the paper, canvas or other surface). The interspersed essays fill in his story, including a variety of great quotes.
My only complaint is that the books is missing throughout the date for each of the works - even if some of them cannot be dated, the rest should have been.
(This was a book I just happened across on a library's "new books" display, highlighting the value of the serendipity in choosing books to read.
"If I had been going down the other side of Madison Avenue, I'd be in the dry-cleaning business today."What is stunning about Seuss's books and paintings - and the book helps reinforce this - is how they don't feel bound to a particular time period - the books stand up well in the midst of current life as they did when created 50 years ago.
"I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It's a way of looking at life the the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do. And that enables you to laugh at life's realities."
"If you don't get imagination as a child, you probably never will."
My only complaint is that the books is missing throughout the date for each of the works - even if some of them cannot be dated, the rest should have been.
(This was a book I just happened across on a library's "new books" display, highlighting the value of the serendipity in choosing books to read.
June 15, 2017
This is a fabulous look at the artwork in all its forms from the renowned Theodore Geisel. I love getting to see his work in motion from beginning sketches, to completed pages. How an idea from decades past can make a beloved book like Green Eggs and Ham. I also quite enjoyed his midnight paintings, as many I have never seen. But by far the best thing in this book was his Taxidermy. I would happily put any or all on my walls. I see a library program coming out of this. Read it from cover to cover, it’s worth it, and it deserves it.
February 13, 2019
Five hefty pounds of art, photos, text, and quotes.
Part biography; a tribute to Theodor Seuss Geisel's almost 70-year multifaceted career- from Dartmouth, to his work in advertising, political cartooning, the Army, and Hollywood - to the children’s work we know him best for.
Part artist showcase; paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The "most comprehensive collection on the art of Dr. Seuss to be published," including some of his most treasured private works.
Geisel expressed to his wife Audrey that he wished to wait until he was gone before introducing his private artworks to the public.
"It is with great pleasure that I share Ted, his art, his imagination, and his boundless creativity with you through the pages of this book. I am gratified to carry out Ted's wishes and have these works revealed to the world."
- Audrey Geisel
Ted Geisel's life was not perfect, but this book is about his work as an artist and creator - a lifetime of brilliant contribution. I learned some, and enjoyed the art.
"These iconographic images became the basis of Ted's most well-known books for children, delivering messages on such heady topics as racial tolerance, environmental stewardship, nuclear war, and the vital importance of unimpeded childhood fun.
..As children, we grew up on Seuss's playful verse and zealous imagination. As adults, we realize that Theodor Seuss Geisel is not just an important and innovative twentieth-century painter but one of the few artists working in any medium who knows how to make people happy while at the same time inspiring them to think."
Part biography; a tribute to Theodor Seuss Geisel's almost 70-year multifaceted career- from Dartmouth, to his work in advertising, political cartooning, the Army, and Hollywood - to the children’s work we know him best for.
Part artist showcase; paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The "most comprehensive collection on the art of Dr. Seuss to be published," including some of his most treasured private works.
Geisel expressed to his wife Audrey that he wished to wait until he was gone before introducing his private artworks to the public.
"It is with great pleasure that I share Ted, his art, his imagination, and his boundless creativity with you through the pages of this book. I am gratified to carry out Ted's wishes and have these works revealed to the world."
- Audrey Geisel
Ted Geisel's life was not perfect, but this book is about his work as an artist and creator - a lifetime of brilliant contribution. I learned some, and enjoyed the art.
"These iconographic images became the basis of Ted's most well-known books for children, delivering messages on such heady topics as racial tolerance, environmental stewardship, nuclear war, and the vital importance of unimpeded childhood fun.
..As children, we grew up on Seuss's playful verse and zealous imagination. As adults, we realize that Theodor Seuss Geisel is not just an important and innovative twentieth-century painter but one of the few artists working in any medium who knows how to make people happy while at the same time inspiring them to think."
July 31, 2019
This extraordinary colorful collection, showcasing more than 70 years of Theodore Seuss Giesel's artwork and sculptures, was written by his family and followers after his death. Originally published as "Secrets of the Deep", his work can be interpreted as a part of the surreal movement of the 20th century. His artistic side affected most of his choices in life. Though he and his wife never had children, he was especially interested in creating children's books, sometimes following a list of words suggested for those learning to read. He found this process difficult and thus decided to make up words too; it added another dimension to phonetic pronunciation.
I especially was taken by Giesel's bold cartoons created during World War 11. He certainly made his opinions very clear. The clever advertisements he created for his clients had deep messages.
I found myself amazed and entertained, laughing out loud at his talent and sense of humor.
My grandson chose to "read" this 318-page book before any of the 44 others he was determined to tackle this summer! Dr. Suess would have been proud! His philosophy was that a child should read not just by words, but through its pictures and experience art by dabbling in the paint. They did both.
I especially was taken by Giesel's bold cartoons created during World War 11. He certainly made his opinions very clear. The clever advertisements he created for his clients had deep messages.
I found myself amazed and entertained, laughing out loud at his talent and sense of humor.
My grandson chose to "read" this 318-page book before any of the 44 others he was determined to tackle this summer! Dr. Suess would have been proud! His philosophy was that a child should read not just by words, but through its pictures and experience art by dabbling in the paint. They did both.
October 16, 2012
Everyone loves Dr. Seuss, and I am no exception. When I had a chance to read The Cat Behind the Hat, which will be published November 13th, I was incredibly excited. This book, which the publishers describe as "chronological-ish," goes all the way back in Geisel's history, interspersing short blocks of texts with his beautiful illustrations. I know Dr. Seuss's kids books, but that's pretty much it; I didn't know much about him. For instance, Geisel got kicked off Dartmouth's humor magazine by sharing a pint of gin with ten friends during Prohibition. He kept submitting cartoons under different pseudonyms, which later evolved into Theo Seuss 2nd, Dr. Theophrastus Seuss, Dr. Theodophilus Seuss, Ph.D, I.Q., H2SO4. "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street" was published in 1937, by Dr. Seuss.
He used to take parts of dead animals and made strange taxidermic pieces of his imaginary creatures. He drew ads and political cartoons, joined the Army in 1942, left cartooning to make war films. When he got back to illustration, he did it all: rough sketches, preliminary drawings, final line drawings, and finished work for every page of the book. He was involved with things every step of the way, not needing an entire agency. "Ted was from an era and a mind-set in which the artist lived or died by his own hand."
One of my favorite quotes about Geisel's work is from Karla Kuskin, critic and children's author: "His characters have two family characteristics: slightly batty, oval eyes and a smile you might find on the Mona Lisa after her first martini."
The book is fascinating to read, but more than anything I want to tear out all the illustrations and wallpaper my home with them.
Review with illustrations: www.allisonwrites.com
He used to take parts of dead animals and made strange taxidermic pieces of his imaginary creatures. He drew ads and political cartoons, joined the Army in 1942, left cartooning to make war films. When he got back to illustration, he did it all: rough sketches, preliminary drawings, final line drawings, and finished work for every page of the book. He was involved with things every step of the way, not needing an entire agency. "Ted was from an era and a mind-set in which the artist lived or died by his own hand."
One of my favorite quotes about Geisel's work is from Karla Kuskin, critic and children's author: "His characters have two family characteristics: slightly batty, oval eyes and a smile you might find on the Mona Lisa after her first martini."
The book is fascinating to read, but more than anything I want to tear out all the illustrations and wallpaper my home with them.
Review with illustrations: www.allisonwrites.com
November 7, 2017
My only disappointment is that I didn't realize this book was an oversize volume when I ordered it. Aside from that nuance, it's an amazing review of the Geisel's major works and his early years. It also features some of his "midnight paintings" that he did not want shown during his lifetime. The latter are quite beautiful and fascinating. His caricatures of his neighbors and his random non-commercial art is excellent too. Definitely peruse this book if you want to know more about this legendary children's book author.
xx-dnf-skim-reference
February 27, 2025Huge heavy book with beautiful reproductions of so much of his work (including sculptures, doodles, ads, abstracts, and works for adults). Not too much text as in some similar books about other artists, but I didn't have time to read much of it so I can't rate it. I do recommend you take a look if your library has it.
Feb. 2025
Feb. 2025
July 21, 2022
Such an interesting book full of spectacular midnight drawings/doodles that Ted (Dr. Seuss) only wanted published after his death. An interesting and enlightening read covering the expansive career of the legendary Dr. Suess. If I could find a copy of this magnificent book to keep I would.
COULD I? WOULD I? IF ONLY I COULD I WOULD!!!
COULD I? WOULD I? IF ONLY I COULD I WOULD!!!
May 7, 2019
Interesting backstory on the author of those fantastical children’s books.
May 19, 2019
Lots of art and humor in this biography focused on his art more than his life.
August 29, 2020
Great book. So much brilliant art and insight in this book. Worth reading.
March 13, 2022
A beautiful art book that is worth owning.
May 23, 2022
Beautiful book! I really enjoyed this biography in art.
November 14, 2012
My very first library memory involves Dr. Seuss. It's not the typical childhood memory of checking out Dr. Seuss picture books. This was in the days before our branch library opened the San Diego library ran a the book room with a small selection of books near a local grociery store. It was also a place where we could pick up books placed on hold. So we were there to check out The Lorax (I had a thing about the way the trees were drawn) — but that's not the point of the story.
Behind me was standing a man a little older than my grandfather. He had reddish blond hair and a little bit of a beard. And he seemed to be shyly looking at my Dr. Seuss book.
At this point my mother whispers a question. Did I know who that man was. I thought she was asking me if he was somehow a friend of mine (or more likely, one of my grandmother's horde of friends. She always seemed to know at least one person where ever she went). I shook my head. She whispered the answer, "That's Dr. Seuss. But his real name is Mr. Geisel."
If I had known my swear words back then, the very next thought would have been: "the f—?" Instead, being about two at the time, I earnestly disagreed in my best inside voice. He couldn't possibly be Dr. Seuss because EVERY ONE KNEW the books were written by the Cat in the Hat. (Those I Can Read books often have the Cat in the Hat in a circle on them). And what did Mr. Geisel say? He agreed with me. See!? Of course the books were written by the Cat in the Hat!
And that, Dear Reader, brings me to today's review: Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat by Caroline W. Smith. Smith's biography looks at Geisel's life through his artwork — especially those of his midnight paintings.
Geisel was one of those artists who was driven to create. From reading this book, I don't think he could have turned off the desire to draw, paint, write or sculpt if he had wanted to. His artwork can be divided into distinct types (which Smith gives very Seussian names to): youth, commercial art for adults, commercial art for children, and art for himself.
Despite the different venues, the Seussian style is there. Until the start of the PBS cartoon and the various Seuss websites / games, no one by Ted Geisel created created art in that style. While the post-Geisel Seuss-style artwork has similar curves and overall whimsy, it lacks Geisel's keen eye for color and that spark. Put a real Seuss against an homage and you'll see the difference immediately.
If you want to see vast wonderful, beautifully reproduced examples of Geisel's artwork and learn how his midnight paintings influenced his professional artwork and sometimes even inspired children's books, The Cat Behind the Hat is a must read. If you're a diehard fan of Dr. Seuss, it's a must purchase.
Behind me was standing a man a little older than my grandfather. He had reddish blond hair and a little bit of a beard. And he seemed to be shyly looking at my Dr. Seuss book.
At this point my mother whispers a question. Did I know who that man was. I thought she was asking me if he was somehow a friend of mine (or more likely, one of my grandmother's horde of friends. She always seemed to know at least one person where ever she went). I shook my head. She whispered the answer, "That's Dr. Seuss. But his real name is Mr. Geisel."
If I had known my swear words back then, the very next thought would have been: "the f—?" Instead, being about two at the time, I earnestly disagreed in my best inside voice. He couldn't possibly be Dr. Seuss because EVERY ONE KNEW the books were written by the Cat in the Hat. (Those I Can Read books often have the Cat in the Hat in a circle on them). And what did Mr. Geisel say? He agreed with me. See!? Of course the books were written by the Cat in the Hat!
And that, Dear Reader, brings me to today's review: Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat by Caroline W. Smith. Smith's biography looks at Geisel's life through his artwork — especially those of his midnight paintings.
Geisel was one of those artists who was driven to create. From reading this book, I don't think he could have turned off the desire to draw, paint, write or sculpt if he had wanted to. His artwork can be divided into distinct types (which Smith gives very Seussian names to): youth, commercial art for adults, commercial art for children, and art for himself.
Despite the different venues, the Seussian style is there. Until the start of the PBS cartoon and the various Seuss websites / games, no one by Ted Geisel created created art in that style. While the post-Geisel Seuss-style artwork has similar curves and overall whimsy, it lacks Geisel's keen eye for color and that spark. Put a real Seuss against an homage and you'll see the difference immediately.
If you want to see vast wonderful, beautifully reproduced examples of Geisel's artwork and learn how his midnight paintings influenced his professional artwork and sometimes even inspired children's books, The Cat Behind the Hat is a must read. If you're a diehard fan of Dr. Seuss, it's a must purchase.
November 25, 2012
Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat by Caroline M. Smith is a comprehensive look at the art Theodor Geisel created over his lifetime. This book is schedule for release on November 13 2012. It is an enthralling and informative look behind the public persona or Dr. Seuss and into the reality that was Theodor Geisel. He created a body of workwhich he called his "Midnight Paintings," and which is now known as "The Secret Art of Dr. Seuss." The collection redefines Ted Geisel beyond the children's books and illustrations he is best known for, and gives him solid standing as an iconic American artist.
Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat is a fantastic book for anyone that has loved the works of Dr. Seuss. Learning more about the man only made me appreciate him, his life, and his art even more. The book juxtaposes Geisel's "Midnight Paintings" with some of his his best-loved children's books. The art in the book is not structured in strict chronological order, because that just would not have fit with the artwork and life of Geisel. A fascinating and intellectual look at a man that has had such an impact on the world through his books.
My children, and I, love reading Dr. Seuss just about every night at bedtime. Learning more about the man and his art only made me appreciate his work, and those moments, even more. I highly recommend Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat to anyone with fond memories of Dr. Seuss, and the desire to learn more about the man that created the world of Who-ville and taught us that "a person is a person no matter how small."
Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat is a fantastic book for anyone that has loved the works of Dr. Seuss. Learning more about the man only made me appreciate him, his life, and his art even more. The book juxtaposes Geisel's "Midnight Paintings" with some of his his best-loved children's books. The art in the book is not structured in strict chronological order, because that just would not have fit with the artwork and life of Geisel. A fascinating and intellectual look at a man that has had such an impact on the world through his books.
My children, and I, love reading Dr. Seuss just about every night at bedtime. Learning more about the man and his art only made me appreciate his work, and those moments, even more. I highly recommend Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat to anyone with fond memories of Dr. Seuss, and the desire to learn more about the man that created the world of Who-ville and taught us that "a person is a person no matter how small."
January 8, 2015
I grew up reading Dr. Seuss, I say. Did you read his books while relaxing in a Soo-zoo-kar-zay? I have, I have, I say. I can read them in a box, without socks, here or there, and everywhere. Young or old, shy or bold, I read them, read them without care. It's fun to have fun, he would say, and I agree, even to this day. So pick up this book, and have a look, even if wearing a thermo-cardio-schnook!
Ok - enough Seussian fun, seriously LOVED this book. Dr. Seuss helped teach me to read when I was young, and educated me on important topics kids need to understand to grow into proper adults. Topics such as racism, superiority, those that have vs. have not, environmental issues, he tackled them all very well, and his art is without compare and so original. I have Christmas Ornaments in my collection based on characters and creatures in his books - no grinchy Grinch in this house, although I have a few to decorate our family tree. What this book uncovered for me as an adult "child" now, was his after hours exploration and abstract works not related to children's books.
SO glad I received this gift for Christmas - will be treasured for the rest of my days! Now if I could only remember what happens when Tweetle Beetles battle in a bottle in a puddle with a poodle - better grab Fox in Socks to remind me. :)
Ok - enough Seussian fun, seriously LOVED this book. Dr. Seuss helped teach me to read when I was young, and educated me on important topics kids need to understand to grow into proper adults. Topics such as racism, superiority, those that have vs. have not, environmental issues, he tackled them all very well, and his art is without compare and so original. I have Christmas Ornaments in my collection based on characters and creatures in his books - no grinchy Grinch in this house, although I have a few to decorate our family tree. What this book uncovered for me as an adult "child" now, was his after hours exploration and abstract works not related to children's books.
SO glad I received this gift for Christmas - will be treasured for the rest of my days! Now if I could only remember what happens when Tweetle Beetles battle in a bottle in a puddle with a poodle - better grab Fox in Socks to remind me. :)
September 23, 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed this insight into such a great artist and author that was Dr Seuss. I remember as a young child not being able to afford any of his books and sneaking away from my friends at lunch time or trying to hurry to school before the bell to have a read of his books in our school library. I remember what a source of laughter and wonderment they brought. This book brought all those memories back. But also gave me a wider perspective on man behind the books, Ted Geisel and his other works of art.
It amazes me the boundless levels of creativity he had in endless supply and the great impact he had on me on so many others before my time, during & even after as I've started reading his books to my own children.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story and art works of Ted - an artist whose work I grew up on and love.
Thanks to netgalley and publisher Chase Art company for graciously giving me a copy of this book to read.
It amazes me the boundless levels of creativity he had in endless supply and the great impact he had on me on so many others before my time, during & even after as I've started reading his books to my own children.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story and art works of Ted - an artist whose work I grew up on and love.
Thanks to netgalley and publisher Chase Art company for graciously giving me a copy of this book to read.
April 15, 2013
Dr. Seuss once said, “If you don’t get imagination as a child, you probably never will.” These words are the perfect introduction to Dr. Seuss The Cat Behind the Hat, a semi-chronological look at the life, writing, and art of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. This book highlights early sketches and works by Geisel, along with biographical information broken down into chapters entitled “As Early As It Gets”, “Very Early”, “Pretty Early” and later “Later”, “A Little Later” and “Somewhat Still Later”. Each chapter includes full color prints of both individual pieces created by Geisel and illustrations from his numerous children’s books as Dr. Seuss.
This is a great book not only for the art, which is on almost every page, but also the information about Geisel and his life. This is one of the best biographical pieces I've seen about Dr. Seuss.
This is a great book not only for the art, which is on almost every page, but also the information about Geisel and his life. This is one of the best biographical pieces I've seen about Dr. Seuss.
July 12, 2013
http://xoxoxoe.blogspot.com/2013/07/t...
Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat is a gorgeous coffee-table book featuring the "secret artwork" of Dr. Seuss. Theodor (Ted) Geisel, AKA Dr. Seuss, called a lot of the work featured in this volume his "midnight paintings."
The book lays out an informative and frequently humorous biography, tracing his college years at Dartmouth, early days in advertising, his work as an animator for the U.S. Army during WW2, as well as his adventures in publishing. The Cat Behind the Hat also includes lots of quotes from Dr. Seuss's books, as well as original sketches and artwork from favorites like The Sneetches, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hatches the Egg, Green Eggs and Ham, and many more. But the book's main attraction are the numerous fabulous illustrations, in both black and white and in exuberant color.
Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat is a gorgeous coffee-table book featuring the "secret artwork" of Dr. Seuss. Theodor (Ted) Geisel, AKA Dr. Seuss, called a lot of the work featured in this volume his "midnight paintings."
The book lays out an informative and frequently humorous biography, tracing his college years at Dartmouth, early days in advertising, his work as an animator for the U.S. Army during WW2, as well as his adventures in publishing. The Cat Behind the Hat also includes lots of quotes from Dr. Seuss's books, as well as original sketches and artwork from favorites like The Sneetches, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hatches the Egg, Green Eggs and Ham, and many more. But the book's main attraction are the numerous fabulous illustrations, in both black and white and in exuberant color.
April 20, 2013
After reading a review, I really wanted to get my hands on this beautiful, informative yet coffee table size book. Seuss is not my favorite children's author but I am intrigued by his use of language and his work with the I can read titles. The Cat in the Hat has always intrigued me because of its significance for early readers. I always knew that Geisel was working with a controlled vocabulary but this book explains it in a slightly different way: "Not only was the vocabulary largely taken from a list of 223 beginner's words but Ted crafted the story in anapestic tetrameter, marking out a cadence that was easy for young readers to grasp. Using this model, Ted, Helen, and Phyllis Cerf, the wife of Random House president Bennett Cerf, would go on to found Beginner Books at Random House."
September 22, 2013
I saw this one on display in the library, and wasn’t able to pass it up. While it presents material from many facets of Seuss’s work, including his children’s book art and advertisements for various products, its focus is on the Midnight Paintings. These were paintings that Seuss produced throughout his lifetime, but didn’t want released to the public until after he died. Most of them showcase the combination of surrealism and cartoonishness that we all know, but he was capable of working in other styles, and was known to try to convince people that his own paintings were the work of artists who never really existed. The book contains very little text, but is a great showcase of how intricate his art could be.
August 12, 2013
Wonderful! I of course knew of Seuss the children's author, but I had no idea he was such an accomplished artist inn general. The books are touched upon, but the bulk of this book consists of paintings and drawings and a few sculptures made apparently for the sheer joy of doing so. His style is unmistakable, though occasionally somewhat darker than in evidence in his books. There are also examples of his advertising work as well as a number of editorial cartoons. Sadly, no examples of the newspaper comic strip he did are included, though it is mentioned in passing. All in all, this is a fascinating look at some previously hidden facets of a beloved children's author.
December 20, 2012
I found this fascinating, learning not only more about Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, but about his lifetime of art and stories. This book goes through his varied work, from the time and impact of life at Dartmouth, to his progression to children's books. So much went into his drawings, including the war and politics of the day, or just plain silliness for silliness sake, but apparently always lots of time and thought. I loved the origin stories of the kids books, and details about color and how he created them. Just all around interesting overview.
May 3, 2014
I read Dr. Seuss: the cat behind the hat, in exchange for review from netgalley.com
The book was wrote by Caroline M. Smith and published by Chase Art Companies, LLC. The book discussed the paintings of Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. The artwork was beautiful, abstract, colorful, vibrant, whimsical, detailed, animated, etc. The artwork reminded me of Picasso and M.C. Escher (sp?). Smith also provided history of each painting, in addition to excerpts from Seuss's books to accompany paintings.
The book was wrote by Caroline M. Smith and published by Chase Art Companies, LLC. The book discussed the paintings of Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. The artwork was beautiful, abstract, colorful, vibrant, whimsical, detailed, animated, etc. The artwork reminded me of Picasso and M.C. Escher (sp?). Smith also provided history of each painting, in addition to excerpts from Seuss's books to accompany paintings.
September 4, 2012
Anyone who loves all of Dr. Seuss' books and treasures them, will also treasure this book. It is destined to be a collector's item for any Seuss lover. With that being said, the price tag is a little pricey and may only appeal to the die hard fans because of the hole this book will leave in your wallet.
Besides the large price tag, the illustrations are amazing and there are histories behind the Seuss that we know.
Thanks to netgelley and Chase Art Companies for the advance copy.
Besides the large price tag, the illustrations are amazing and there are histories behind the Seuss that we know.
Thanks to netgelley and Chase Art Companies for the advance copy.
December 28, 2012
If you love Dr. Seuss, you will love this book. It does not weigh you down with text (in fact, considering the size of the book, the text is just a small fraction), but focuses more on the art of Dr. Seuss.
April 12, 2013
This book is absolutely beautiful!
The information was helpful in understand the motives & persona of Dr. Seuss. His art was breathtaking and stimulating.
In my opnion, anyone with interest in Dr. Seuss should read this book. It will not disappoint.
The information was helpful in understand the motives & persona of Dr. Seuss. His art was breathtaking and stimulating.
In my opnion, anyone with interest in Dr. Seuss should read this book. It will not disappoint.
February 16, 2013
If you've been a child, or a mother, sometime in the last 80 years Dr. Seuss has been a part of your life so don't miss this wonderful book. It shows his genius other than The Cat and Horton, etc. Beautiful paintings and other imaginative stories you've never heard about. Amazing!
June 17, 2013
This is a wonderful overview of Seuss's career, from his early days in advertising to his history of political cartoons and work during WW2. The art is gorgeously presented and showcases everything from his best known works to much rarer pieces, including his "unorthodox taxidermy".
August 6, 2016
If you're even slightly interested in Dr. Seuss you need to read--or at least glance through--this book. Ted Geisel seemed to be pretty much everything I could have dreamed him to be. His art was stunning, and the biographical information weaved throughout the book is illuminating in many ways.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews