Spectacular collection of full-color and b&w illustrations by famed science fiction and fantasy illustrator Wayne Barlowe. Published in 1995, this volume includes works from throughout Barlowe's career, and each piece of art is accompanied by a text blurb from Barlowe explaining the origin of the piece and his creative and artistic inspirations for that specific work of art. Barlowe is well known for his detailed alien physiognomies, and most of the pieces in this collection exemplify the tradition of "nature art". His otherworldly creatures (some based on other author's works and some created by Barlowe himself from scratch) are logical extrapolitions from scientific principles and look frighteningly real. If you like this book, you can't miss his Barlowe's Guide to Extraterrestrials and Barlowe's Guide to Fantasy -- must have volumes for genre fans.

Originally reviewed for my local library's website: http://www.lincolnlibraries.org/depts/bookguide/srec/staffrec10-04.htm ( )