Andy Warhol. Seven Illustrated Books 1952-1959

In 1950s New York, before becoming one of the 20th century’s most famous names, Andy Warhol was already a skilled and successful commercial artist. During this time, as part of his strategy to attract clients and forge friendships, he created seven handmade artist’s books, reserved for his most valued contacts. These featured unique, personal drawings and extravagant texts that revealed his penchant for, among other topics, cats, food, myths, shoes, beautiful boys, and beautiful girls. Decades later, with the originals changing hands for thousands of dollars at auction, TASCHEN presents an XL-sized volume containing meticulous reprints of these seven books. With titles such as Love Is a Pink Cake, 25 Cats Named Sam, and À la Recherche du Shoe Perdu, the series reveals the artist’s flamboyant character as well as his consummate draughtsmanship, unlimited creativity, and innuendo-laden humor.

This book delightfully plays with styles and genres, including A Is for Alphabet, which dedicates a page to each letter of the alphabet, with illustrations complemented by three-line verses that tell of strange human-animal encounters. In the Bottom of My Garden is simultaneously Warhol’s version of a children’s book and a covert celebration of gay love. Wild Raspberries, meanwhile, is a faux cookbook with a host of adventurous recipes and illustrations. This volume also includes introductions for each of Warhol’s illustrations. Complete with rarely seen photographs of the artist, inspirational objects, and commercial assignments, they contextualize Warhol’s 1950s art, offering a glimpse into his early creative process as well as his endearing and playful character. Little-known and highly coveted Warhol gems. As a crown, these hand-drawn delights are as appealing and original today as they were in the happy days of the 1950s and offer a unique insight into a budding genius on the cusp of global fame.