The sixteen Elvgren mini-posters in the 1995 book make it very comparable with a similar sized book from Brown & Bigelow The Best of Gil Elvgren which also has sixteen, published in 1999. Both books also have a few pages about Elvgren and his lovely pin-up paintings. I prefer the B&B book because it is a classier production, printed on better paper (with a 200 screen) and the pin-ups look fresher because they are dated from 1949 to 1961. This book has nine out of the sixteen from the forties and somehow Elvgren’s compositions and color seems slightly dated when compared to his later work.

Although neither book says so the way the pin-ups have been presented, one to a page with generous margins, would allow you to cut them out and create your own Elvgren gallery. An innocent nostalgic look back.

***LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK by clicking ‘cusomer images’ under the cover.

Rating: 4 / 5