INGRAM, Catherine . This Is Pollock . illus. by Peter Arkle. ISBN 9781780673462 . INGRAM, Catherine . This Is Warhol . illus. by Andrew Rae. ISBN 9781780670140 . ea vol: 80p. (This Is). bibliog. illus. photos. reprods. Laurence King . 2014. Tr. $15.95. Gr 1-0 Up Ingram's eye-grabbing graphic-novel profiles convey each artist's life story and particular panache with a combo of witty narrative, vivacious illustrations, reproductions of pivotal artworks, and the occasional photo. The book design is superb: each volume features a pen-and-ink portrait of its subject on the front cover and a personal quote that imparts each man's essence on the back cover. Biographical highlights and astute and accessible discussions of artworks are woven into a tapestry of historical events, contemporary cultural trends, and art history context. Dalí introduces the Spanish artist "known for his lavish lifestyle, his gravity-defying moustache and his bizarre art." A self-promoting megalomaniac, he made (and spent) millions and led an existence as surrealistic as his artistic oeuvre. Pollock strives to separate the artist's career from his famously "bad boy storyline" (he is well-known for drunken antics and public displays of bad behavior) and demonstrate how his "monumental drip paintings reflect a uniquely American vision." Warhol traces the artist's transformation from "awkward kid" to "avant-garde player" and shows how he utilized his keen eye for spotting cultural trends to elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary. Bright-colored comic bookstyle illustrations interpret and expand upon the texts with drama, humor, and insight. Eloquent, informative, and amusing, the series' urbane viewpoint and sometimes-titillating images make it best suited for more mature readers. Joy Fleishhacker , School Library Journal

Each volume explores a groundbreaking artist via text, reproductions, and graphic novellike illustrations. No harsh truths (i.e., drugs, free love, hard drinking) are glossed over, making the series more appropriate for high school readers; the engaging text and design also make them accessible to struggling readers with an interest in art. Originally published in England, these editions are still peppered with Briticisms. Bib.