Here are the editions we will be looking at which contain internal illustrations by:
E.H. Davie 1941.............................. Dorothy Brook 1962
Clyde Pearson 1967 ...............1972 Dean, illustrations and cover uncredited
We have tried to select the same or nearest scene in the book to compare the different illustrators style:
E.H. Davie 1941
Dorothy Brook 1962
Clyde Pearson 1967
1972 Dean, illustrations and cover uncredited
All comments, preferences welcomed.
Which illustrator did you discover first?
Who is your favourite?
The Adventurous Four - illustrator comparison
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The Adventurous Four - illustrator comparison
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Re: The Adventurous Four - illustrator comparison
Thanks for scanning these, Pete. I like comparisons of illustrations!
I grew up with the uncredited Dean & Son illustrations from 1972 (I have wondered if they might be by Dorothy Hall, but I have no way of knowing). I'm very fond of those illustrations, partly because my sister and I often wore clothes similar to Jill and Mary's when we were children. The style appeals to me as well - the children's faces are friendly and open, the pictures are fairly detailed and the artist depicts some tense and exciting scenes.
However, my favourite of the line drawings above is the one by E. H. Davie, as it's so beautifully drawn. I can almost feel the texture of the planks and the jersey.
The 1972 Dean one comes second as it's skilfully composed and pleasing to the eye, with a lot to it.
I like the Dorothy Brook picture too, as it's bold and eye-catching, so I'd place that third.
The Clyde Pearson illustration comes last for me. I don't like the plank in the middle (the one being carried by one of the boys) as it cuts the picture in half. Also, there are too many black lines everywhere - and neither of the boys looks old enough to be Andy.
I wouldn't say that any of those pictures are bad though. In my opinion, they all do a good job of evoking the spirit of the book.
I grew up with the uncredited Dean & Son illustrations from 1972 (I have wondered if they might be by Dorothy Hall, but I have no way of knowing). I'm very fond of those illustrations, partly because my sister and I often wore clothes similar to Jill and Mary's when we were children. The style appeals to me as well - the children's faces are friendly and open, the pictures are fairly detailed and the artist depicts some tense and exciting scenes.
However, my favourite of the line drawings above is the one by E. H. Davie, as it's so beautifully drawn. I can almost feel the texture of the planks and the jersey.
The 1972 Dean one comes second as it's skilfully composed and pleasing to the eye, with a lot to it.
I like the Dorothy Brook picture too, as it's bold and eye-catching, so I'd place that third.
The Clyde Pearson illustration comes last for me. I don't like the plank in the middle (the one being carried by one of the boys) as it cuts the picture in half. Also, there are too many black lines everywhere - and neither of the boys looks old enough to be Andy.
I wouldn't say that any of those pictures are bad though. In my opinion, they all do a good job of evoking the spirit of the book.
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Re: The Adventurous Four - illustrator comparison
I love the Deans illustrations; they were also the books I grew up with so possibly partially due to that.
They had such characters with simple stories and generally did follow the books well.
They had such characters with simple stories and generally did follow the books well.