Arts Unknown: The Life & Art of Lee Brown Coye

by Luis Ortiz

A graphic genius of phantasmagorical originality, Lee Brown Coye's pictures are the visual expression, not only of his own emotional turbulence, but also the turbulence of his times. The vast majority of his work, however, has been unavailable since its original publication. As a result, the full measure of Coye's contribution to illustration had never been widely appreciated.

Arts Unknown is the first biography art book on this uniquely macabre and eccentric artist, who created more than 50 years' worth of wildly imaginative and fantastic artwork for magazines like the original Weird Tales, and illustrated prized books by Ray Bradbury, H. P. Lovecraft, and many other classic fantasy and horror authors, and it will surprise those unaware of his fine art, non-genre book illustrations, cartoons, and sculpture credentials. Inside, there are more than 350 illustrations, including never-before-published art.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2005

Reviews

[Robert Adam Gilmour · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so surprised and delighted this book existed considering how in-depth it is and how relatively obscure Coye is. There's plenty of art and photos, a lot of stories about him, some of them very funny and speculation that his story which formed the basis of Karl Edward Wagner's "Sticks" was possibly the inspiration for Blair Witch Project.

I think he's the best pulp artist, one of the best horror illustrators ever and Ortiz underrates his paintings a bit. I discovered the wonderful Charles Burchfield from this book, who is mentioned as an early influence on Coye.

I'd urge you to seek out Pulp Macabre for more of his art. The Centipede Press Retrospective is out of most people's price range. Pulp Macabre might have some exclusives for his final drawings but I'm not sure.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

My one complaint about this biography of Lee Brown Coye, self trained illustrator of HPL and other pulp sci fi/horror magazines, is that the artwork is so scattered and random throughout the book. So when one reads about a piece of art, cover or commission, the actual reproduction is pages away. With a bit more conscientious editing and layout the constant page flipping, back and forth, could have been eliminated. It distracted from the reading.

Otherwise, a loving portrait of a lesser known, high prolific genre artist.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite weird fiction illustrator.