Bemelmans: The Life and Art of Madeline's Creator

by John Bemelmans Marciano, Ludwig Bemelmans (Illustrator)

This elegantly designed and lavishly illustrated book showcases Bemelmans’ art and writing and illuminates the relationship between the man and his work. Bemelmans’ fascinating life story is told through letters, photographs, illustrations, paintings, sketches, and excerpts from both his published writings and his private journals, selected by his grandson, John Bemelmans Marciano.

Although Ludwig Bemelmans is best known for his Madeline books, his creative life ex-tended far beyond the “old house in Paris.” He was a novelist and a non-fiction writer, as well as a regular contributor to The New Yorker, Vogue, Holiday, and Town and Country.  He painted murals at the Carlyle Hotel, in the bar that bears his name, and planned to collaborate on a book with First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Late in his life, Bemelmans decided to pursue his lifelong desire to paint with oils, and the stunning results are showcased here.

Throughout his life he was a celebrated bon vivant who experienced a rich variety of places, personalities, and professions.  Little wonder that Print Magazine found his biography “richly colored with a sense of  Bemelmans’s joie de vivre”.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Art

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

John Bemelmans Marciano carries on the legacy begun by his grandfather, Ludwig Bemelmans, author and illustrator of the Madeline books, with stunning watercolor artwork and playful, energetic storytelling.

Reviews

[Nicholas & Megan Clinch · Rating 5 out of 5]

One day he said, “I’ve supported myself by writing, which I loathe. Anyway my writing is nothing but painting—instead of lines and colors I use words. And it takes a thousand of them to say what you can say in a few lines with a stroke of a brush. I’ve always avoided patrons and gone my solitary way. I never knew whether it was any good or not. I am beginning to believe that maybe now I can do what I’ve always wanted to—paint, do nothing but paint, for that gives me pleasure.”

[Mireille Messier · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well documented biography that mostly focuses on Ludwig Bemelmans' youth and the making of the Madeline series. I was surprised there was nothing in the book about the Carlyle Hotel (Bemelmans Bar!) but otherwise very informative.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bemelmans: The Life and Art of Madeline's Creator" - written by John Bemelmans Marciano and published in 1999 by Viking Books for Young Readers. Our group read this together with Louise Borden's "The Journey that Saved Curious George," so we got a double-dose of favorite children's authors. The Bemelmans book was written by his grandson, and celebrates Ludwig and his creations with a lush, colorful display of artwork along with the events of his life. Anyone who has fond memories of, or has just been introduced to, Madeline and company should enjoy it immensely.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is really fascinating. After attending Anita Silvey's workshop in January, I got onto the idea of reading more about children's authors. This one was so informative about his life and times. Bemelmans really had a varied life: creating children's books as well as novels for adults and loads of really offbeat cartoon-type illustrations.

[Arlene S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This bio. fleshes out the many facets of the artist and gives background about the best-known work ( to me ), the Madeline" books; but also gives examples of his New Yorker and other magazine covers, plus many sketches. The many illustrations are the best part, as befits a biography of an artist.

[Tory Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, he had a rather complicated childhood ... 2 or 3 women impregnated by his father who may have even had a dalliance with his mother-in-law!! Bemelman was a real character and this book highlights his career as a writer and illustrator.

[Michelle Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad I pursued this book that was a footnote in “Paris By the Book.” The girls and I read every Madeline book but who knew how beautiful his artwork was that graced many New Yorker and Town and Country magazine covers. His life story was very interesting, such a talent.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely collage of Bemelmans' life, full of delightful art & long, well-chosen passages from his writing.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! What a great look back on his life, told through his notes and illustrations!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Madeline books as a kid so to read about the creator's life was a treat. Plus all of the wonderful illustrations and sketched included in the book.