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Book of Virgil Finlay
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 22, 2013
Although I only met him a couple of times, Gerry De La Ree holds a special place in my heart. I grew up in N.J. and remember reading his sports columns in the Bergen (County) Record. Gerry used to lived a couple miles away from my hometown. Later, he very congenially invited this young bumpkin (me) over to see his Science Fiction collection on a couple of occasions and I enjoyed chatting with him and his wife, Helen.
What a collection it was, too! His residence was essentially built to house it, I believe. A vast library/pool room stacked with 1st editions; half of them could be reached only via a moveable ladder. Pulp covers on every wall. A huge run of pulps in the basement and even more paintings. And...original Finlay pen & inks just peppering the hallways.
Gerry also sold art for some of the artists he knew and I did end up buying a couple of original pieces (not Finlay; even then I couldn't afford those!). Without any asking, to seal the transaction, Gerry would plunk into my hands free "Presentation Copies" (from print over-runs) of one or two of his books personally autographed and then place into my front pocket one of his trademark stogies (and he smoked the good ones...)!
The Book of Virgil Finlay is a tremendous book (all of Gerry's S.F. Art books were) and Finlay was a master. But, the real point of this review is to record what a really interesting, gracious fellow Mr. De La Ree really was. He should be remembered more.
Some keepsakes:
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
What a collection it was, too! His residence was essentially built to house it, I believe. A vast library/pool room stacked with 1st editions; half of them could be reached only via a moveable ladder. Pulp covers on every wall. A huge run of pulps in the basement and even more paintings. And...original Finlay pen & inks just peppering the hallways.
Gerry also sold art for some of the artists he knew and I did end up buying a couple of original pieces (not Finlay; even then I couldn't afford those!). Without any asking, to seal the transaction, Gerry would plunk into my hands free "Presentation Copies" (from print over-runs) of one or two of his books personally autographed and then place into my front pocket one of his trademark stogies (and he smoked the good ones...)!
The Book of Virgil Finlay is a tremendous book (all of Gerry's S.F. Art books were) and Finlay was a master. But, the real point of this review is to record what a really interesting, gracious fellow Mr. De La Ree really was. He should be remembered more.
Some keepsakes:
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
https://www.goodreads.com/photo/user/...
February 15, 2008
Virgil Finlay was a talent unparalleled. his detailed work with pen and ink still stand as remarkable works. His output was voluminous, especially considering that he made each small mark by hand -- not with an airbrush.
The works collected here (from the private colelction of editor Gerry de la Rey) is just a small sample of his fantastic works.
Whether you like art, sceince fiction/fantasy genre, or just feel like being impressed, this book should be in your collection.
The works collected here (from the private colelction of editor Gerry de la Rey) is just a small sample of his fantastic works.
Whether you like art, sceince fiction/fantasy genre, or just feel like being impressed, this book should be in your collection.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews