WILD, WILD, WESTERNS

 

WILD, WILD, WESTERNS

The Art of Ron Lesser Vol 3

Edited by Robert Deis, Bill Cunningham & Tim Hewitt

Subtropic Productions – Pulp 2.0

152 pgs

 

Writing a review for an art book is daunting to say the least. With a traditional story novel, one can describe the plot, characters etc. etc. etc. Whereas with an art book, we humble reviewers can only use words to tell you about amazing, stunning, breathtaking visuals that are the product of one man’s talent. Yeah, it’s a challenge, but allow us to rant just a wee little bit and hopefully we will get our point across. 

Ron Lesser was born in 1941 and most of his life, this Manhattan native, was an illustrator and painter that specialized in paperback covers, comic books, magazines and film posters. From the mid 70s to the early 90s, Lesser was among the premier illustrators contributing painted book covers for publishers like Double Day, Dell, Avon, Bantam, Ace, Fawcett, Pyramid and dozens of others. Today most of his original paintings are done for art galleries. 

Men’s Magazines historian Bob Deis and design guru, Bill Cunningham, have begun producing beautiful volumes of Lesser’s work showcasing hundreds of his published works. In this third volume, dedicated to Lesser’s western art, they are joined by Tim Hewitt, another fan and authority on the artist’s career. 

What they have assembled is over a hundred pages of some of the most beautiful and memorable paperback covers and posters ever illustrated depicting the western genre. From outlaws, to gunfighters, cavalry men to Indian warriors, they are all here within these pages. Captured in a unique style that wondrously manages to capture both the authentic realism of the era and its idealized mythic romance. Going from page to page, we couldn’t help but marvel at Lesser’s skills throughout. Still, the editors saved the best for last in featuring his most recent work; paintings of Indians riders against rugged sun-drenched landscapes. 

“Wild, Wild, Westerns,” is a rare glimpse into the world of American illustration history by one of its greatest craftsmen.

MURDER MOST DELICIOUS

 

MURDER MOST DELICIOUS

By Danielle Postel-Vinay

Harper Perennial

290 pgs

 

New York based Olivia Beech is suffering the worst days of her young life. Once one of the most admired Master Sommeliers (wine-taster) in the world, a bout of Covid took  away her sense of taste and left her floundering. When a famous Parisian Chef invites her to come and possibly work for in his bistro. She hops the next flight to the City of Love only to have that chef drop dead in front of her within minutes of their meeting; a victim of poisoning. Talk about bad luck. 

Which is where this fantastical cozy does an abrupt detour in the guise of a florist named Chantal. The nosy and flamboyant Chantal owns a shop a few blocks from the bistro. Having arrived in time to see the chef collapse, Chantal immediately spirits Olivia away from the police. She delivers her to the home of a former French detective named Augusta Dupin, supposedly a direct descendant of the famous C. Auguste Dupin immortalized in the stories of Edgar Alan Poe. Both Augusta and Chantal are members of the Gros-Caillous Neighborhood Watch, a quaint section of the city located in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. It is an informal club made up of several shop owners who live and work within a small quarter of the famous metropolis. 

And therein lies the charm of Postel-Vinay’s tale. Like most successful mysteries, the real prize here is not so much the crime as the eccentric, unique and loveable characters invented to solve it. There are a half-dozen, all delightful, loyal to one another and all  dedicated to prove a helpless American girl innocent and capture the real killer. It’s a task complicated by the fact that their one experienced investigator has suffered from agoraphobia and has been unable to step out of her house in five years. Augusta depends on the others to gather her clues. 

“Murder Most Delicious,” is a literary entree of goodness much like the many French dishes and treats described throughout the novel. Enough that we’re disappointed Ms Postel-Vinay didn’t offer up an appendix of recipes. Still, her murder dish is most satisfying with the right amounts of clues, mis-directions and colorful suspects. All in all, she delivers a truly delightful read. Here’s hoping we haven’t seen the last of the Gros-Caillous Neighborhood Watch.

TERRYFING TALES OF THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE EVER-TOLLING BELL

 

TERRIFYING TALES OF THE
BROTHERHOOD OF THE EVER-TOLLING BELL

By Richard Pembroke

Ever-Tolling Editions

241 pgs

 

Truth be told, we’re generally not horror fans. Still, having read an earlier tale by the author, and enjoyed it, we decided to give this collection a try. The basic set-up is an ancient secret society operating somewhere in England during the Victorian period is constantly creating new men to join their Brotherhood. The only requirement for admittance is the invited candidate must relate a true tale of horror that they have experienced. 

Pembroke waste no time in getting the ball rolling when the first recruit we encounter is a fellow who supposedly encountered Victor Frankenstein while on a hiking climb through the Alps. Shortly thereafter we are introduced to a former British General whose search for fame and glory resulted in the death of his entire company while on campaign in Africa. Then there’s the so-called Jack the Ripper and his exploits followed shortly by the heart wrenching account of a Dr. Henry Jekyll and his quest to purge the human psyche of all evil intents. 

Yes, dear readers, the entire volume is an wonderful homage to the classic gothic horror classics most of us have grown up leaning. As a writer Pembroke, is a skilled word-slinger and he imbues all these characters with a pathos that is both unusual and touching. In the end, the book delivers on its promise of offering up a terror-filled feast of delights. Highly recommended for even the most jaded horror enthusiast.