Chances are if you ever had to write a nature or biology report back when you were in elementary school, at some point you referenced a book illustrated by Charley Harper.

Not ringing any bells? Harper's schoolbook drawings of nature and the human body take more cues from graphic design than traditional textbook illustration. By taking away detail rather than adding it on, Harper boils down images of flora and fauna to their most common visual identifiers, something he called "minimal realism". The results are so pleasing to the eye and have such a distinct style that you can recognize his work instantly—even if the last time you it was back in 5th grade science class.

Sadly we lost Charley Harper in June of last year, but thanks to the efforts of design guru Todd Oldham and the good people at AMMO books, we are left with Charley Harper, An Illustrated Life. Oldham painstakingly collected Harper's work from 1950 to 1975 into a huge, beautifully bound compendium with enough brilliant eye candy to give your corneas cavities. Compiled from such childhood gems as The Giant Golden Book of Biology, as well as his work for the old Ford Times Magazine, this amazing tome will bring a smile to any guest kibitzing around your coffee table.

The first edition of this must-have book completely sold out, but no worries folks: The next printing is available this month! Click here to order your copy now, and here to see an video interview with Harper and Oldham.

- Spryridon P. Panousopoulos

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Similar Topics:art, books, design

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