Elvgren Girls I (1999, Paperback)

In the late 1990's Collectors Press issued a series of books entirely composed of large photos of vintage pin up prints from famous artists in this genre. This series of "Artist Archives" included Alberto Vargas and Gil Elvgren as well as several "subject" books ("Swimsuit Sweeties", "Exotic Ladies", etc.). These large format books made up pictorially for the scant text. There were at least two Elvgren Titles. A mixture of commonly found images and less often seen girls illustrate his slightly risque style, but these somewhat blurry reprints are less than charming. Excellent for beginning admirers of this artist, but inadequate for more sophisticated and advanced pin up collectors. Watch out for these 10" by 12" images being offered as "vintage" on eBay. Most of the originals were issued in a smaller size (7" by 10"). There are better books available on Elvgren's work.