Fishes Dangerous to Man (book cover) | 1969
written by Alan Mark Fletcher | illustrated by Jane Teiko Oka & Willi Baum
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My favorite part of this book is the cover by far. (I’ve turned the dust jacket at a 90° orientation for better viewing.) I’m guessing the cover illustration represents Jane Teiko Oka’s work as it looks nothing at all like Willi Baum’s aesthetic. But not to take away from Mr. Baum’s contributions or his bold patternistic style which I am certainly a fan of. I will pick up where I left off in January and be highlighting his corporate work in addition to more of his illustrations in the not so distant future.
From the interior back flap:
Jane Teiko Oka and Willi Baum, both distinguished graphic designers, have combined their talents to create illustrations which are both documentary and decorative. They used the resources of the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco to assure that their drawings of fishes would be wholly accurate.
Jane Teiko Oka numbers three other books for children in her illustration credits. A Fulbright Fellow with a year’s study in Japan, she likes outdoor sports and is an avid skier.
Willi Baum received his artistic training in Bern, Switzerland. After working in advertising as an artist and art director, he became a well-known and well-regarded illustrator of children’s literature.
In case you would like to have this vintage book for your own library, resellers at both Alibris and Amazon currently have copies available for purchase including a mix of 1969, 1972 and 1985 hardback and softback editions.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Looks like a real cool woodcut – thanks a lot for this piece of artwork and have a nice day – tobi