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Beauty and the Beast
The first book of illustrations by Chris Achilleos Published by Dragon's World Ltd.
First edition published 1978
Second edition published 1979
Third edition published 1985
Fourth edition published 1987
Reprinted in 1989, 1991 and ???
Hardback UK edition printed in 1978, 1979, 1985, 1987, 1988.
US edition: Simon & Schuster published 1978
German edition: Alpha Comic Verlag published 1988
Out of print
First edition published 1978
Second edition published 1979
Third edition published 1985
Fourth edition published 1987
Reprinted in 1989, 1991 and ???
Hardback UK edition printed in 1978, 1979, 1985, 1987, 1988.
US edition: Simon & Schuster published 1978
German edition: Alpha Comic Verlag published 1988
Out of print
120 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 27, 2022
Despite the title, this has nothing to do with the fairy tale. It's a collection of Fantasy artwork that, whilst nice, isn't the style that appeals to my tastes.
January 23, 2026
While I'd seen some of Achilleos's artwork on covers over the years, he was never one that made any sort of impression on me.
And glancing through this collection, I think I understand why. Overall, I don't find the art carries any sort of movement or excitement. When it comes to his taking on of subjects like Robert E. Howard's Kull, he's essentially aping Frazetta, but with nowhere near the facility or style.
He's obviously better at women then men, but tend to pose each one as though they're mid-orgasm.
Overall, rather stilted and boring. There's far better out there.
And glancing through this collection, I think I understand why. Overall, I don't find the art carries any sort of movement or excitement. When it comes to his taking on of subjects like Robert E. Howard's Kull, he's essentially aping Frazetta, but with nowhere near the facility or style.
He's obviously better at women then men, but tend to pose each one as though they're mid-orgasm.
Overall, rather stilted and boring. There's far better out there.
March 7, 2014
Must have for any fantasy art collection this is a collection of the commercial art of another of my favourite fantasy artists Chris Achilleos.
What is particularly useful about this book, other than the gorgeous art is the 7 pages of quotes about the nature of heroes. For anyone either keen to write heroic fantasy or doing an English degree - these little snippits are really enlightening and make you think.
We have book jacket illustrations for Robert E. Howard (Almuric and Kull), Edgar Rice Burroughs (Pellucidor), Moorcock, Dr Who (Tom Baker era), Richard Kirk's Raven (all 4 covers) and a series of covers for John Norman's Gor. There's also some pin up art and this contains one of my favourite mermaid illustrations - with a tiger striped fin.
Great collection.
What is particularly useful about this book, other than the gorgeous art is the 7 pages of quotes about the nature of heroes. For anyone either keen to write heroic fantasy or doing an English degree - these little snippits are really enlightening and make you think.
We have book jacket illustrations for Robert E. Howard (Almuric and Kull), Edgar Rice Burroughs (Pellucidor), Moorcock, Dr Who (Tom Baker era), Richard Kirk's Raven (all 4 covers) and a series of covers for John Norman's Gor. There's also some pin up art and this contains one of my favourite mermaid illustrations - with a tiger striped fin.
Great collection.
June 27, 2012
I first came across Chris's artwork while reading the Gor series. The detailed paintings of the birds feathers really made me want to see more of this artists work. I eventually tracked down a copy and borrowed it from a local library, and spent ages looking through it with a magnifying glass examining the detail of some of the pictures within.
They say "Don't judge a book by it's cover", but in Chris's case, he generally nails it every time. Along with Larry Elmore, he's my favourite book cover artist of all time.
They say "Don't judge a book by it's cover", but in Chris's case, he generally nails it every time. Along with Larry Elmore, he's my favourite book cover artist of all time.
January 5, 2014
As a child I came across this book and i once again found it last year in charity shop the only reason i had picked it up was because there was one particular image that I liked. Still the artwork is stunning and quite honestly Achilleos is an amazing artist but now I find it quite bland.
I can't explain why but there is something missing as though I feel he could have done more to improve some of the images but never did. Some of his women are simply stunning Others i find less so.
I can't explain why but there is something missing as though I feel he could have done more to improve some of the images but never did. Some of his women are simply stunning Others i find less so.
Want to Read
August 28, 2015i dont think about it
February 8, 2016
Awesome selection of paintings for a modern master's work. If you like SiFi and Fantasy art then you will enjoy this excellent selection of paintings. Very recommended
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews