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This latest volume of the Society of Illustrators annual continues the new approach of last year's volume to showcase the year's best illustration. Designed by D.J. Stout of the prestigious Pentagram Design firm, this massive volume presents not only the year's finest illustration work, but also delves into the ideas behind the art as stated by the artists themselves. Each artist discusses the "how to" and "why" of their art making this annual not only a showcase of impressive art, but also an intensely readable look into the creative process of today's top working illustrators.

Average Customer Rating:

An Enduring Collection of World-Class Illustration

Customer Rating:

I just received my copy yesterday and spent most of the evening looking at the amazing illustrations of highly talented artists. The cover piece is one of the best one ever and I recently started collecting back issues of of this series. Also, I was thrilled to find Gary Keley and Edward Windsor Kemble side by side in the Hall of Fame section. The scholarship section also provided a sneak preview of the next batch talents that will soon grace the futue issues.

The inspiration of the hand-drawn metaphor

Customer Rating:

The last five editions of this superbly produced book have become a highly valued resource and an inspiration. It is heartening to see that the homogenous end products of digital illustration have not yet denied the hand of the artist. If illustrator was once a second-class term, the superb artwork of these professionals completely nullifies such high-art bigotry. This is a contemporary art that speaks in visual metaphors that are both accessible and valuable. I for one cannot wait for no.'50'. The printing itself is absolutely superb and only serves to enhance the publication.

not bad but great

Customer Rating:

This is a great book to know who floats at the top of the commercial side of illustration. There are lots of artist to look up and many different styles and that is why I chose to buy this book. Also there is an image of James Jean and for so long, there have been blurry or profile shots of his face but now a full dead-on frontal shot of his face. But this is a very good resource book and it also has the artist contact in the back if you are further interested in their work and such.

Eclectic and Fun

Customer Rating:

I purchased this book with the idea of studying the current state of the art in illustration, being a beginning illustrator/artist. This book was everything I had hoped. Initially, I was disappointed when looking through the images because only rarely was the medium of each image listed. As I progressed through the book though, I found the index in the back, which lists each image alphabetically by author, and includes the medium used. The color reproductions are excellent, and the book uses high quality paper, although some of the images are a bit small. Of course, considering that the image used for the cover required both front and back fold-outs which still didn't show the entire image, it's understandable that when that same image was reproduced inside the book that it would be really small. Amazon's discount from the cover price of the book was a big help in my decision to purchase the book. Not being a full-fledged illustrator, $45 is a bit steep to satisfy my curiosity. The book arrived well in advance of its scheduled delivery time and in perfect shape.

Great as usual, but some disappointments

Customer Rating:

The annual is always a pleasure to slowly page through every year. The same goes for this year's issue, for the most part. But, I feel that some less than stellar artwork made it into this book. There is 'bad drawing' galore and there are a few pieces that seem to have made it into the show more because of the fame of the artists who created them. Still, overall, it's a good book. I'm looking forward to number 50.