If you've got even a couple art/drawing books in your collection, you probably already have the best examples contained here (and they're probably reproduced better in your art books). I take drawing seriously so I'm always on the hunt for meaty art books and this one didn't deliver. While I often disagreed with what the author considers a "masterpiece" (apparently anything old--but I'll let that be a subjective thing) probably the biggest problem is the poor reproduction quality. It's refreshing to find an art book that doesn't cost a fortune, but when the texture and gesture of line can't be seen in the drawing--well, is it any wonder so many of them just lie there looking dead? Some of the drawings here are reproduced so badly they are almost completely black, others so light they are just barely tones on the page.

Serious drawing books can be pricey but they can often be found at a good price if you buy an older edition--here are some really worth having: A Guide to Drawing (Daniel Mendelowitz), Art of Responsive Drawing (Nathan Goldstein), Art of Drawing (Bernard Chaet).

The quality of the reproductions in this book are second-rate and very dull. This didn't surprise me, as the paper stock and printing is going to be of lesser quality in a budget-priced book. And since the price is not unreasonable, this is a good student reference book

But here's what really upset me. Certain masters of drawing like Delacroix and Burne-Jones are completely missing. Nor are the selected drawings of Raphael included here the best examples, in my opinion.

I had the pleasure of visiting a sculptor friend and nearly tripping in the entrance of her house as I caught the sight of a fantastic little pencil drawing out of the corner of my eye. "Yes," she smiled "we think it is a Burne-Jones, even though it isn't signed." She has since passed on and donated her work and art collection to her alma mater. While I think that was a wonderful thing to do, that drawing may well end up in an archive and never be seen by the public, ever. So these books are sometimes the only way one ever gets to see masterful drawings, and to leave out some of the best artists makes me pretty sad. Save your money unless you need another drawing reference book and this contains what you are looking for.

As usual, I am going to write about this book based on what strikes me most when I look at it and even more after I finish it.

The one thing I learn from this book is that it is NOT what you draw WITH, but it is more of WHAT you draw and HOW you draw that matters.

Remember when you were a little boy (or girl), you would love to draw on the snow, especially on the first snow of the season, smooth and fresh? Remember when you were a little boy, you would love to draw on the sand at the beach... standing; and the wave would wash it off? But I digress. The point is that this little book has taught me so many things in art and life that I cannot tell you all, but a few.

First off, it is a collection of beautiful drawings done by some of the Great Masters and draftsmen, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo Buonarroti, Raphael, Rubens, Du:rer, and Rembrandt, to name a few. Most of the works were done in pencil, crayon, or pen and ink. The genres covered include perhaps almost if not all of the important genres existing in fine arts, such as portraiture, figure (aka nudes), landscape, and even animals.

Secondly, art students and professional artists alike will find this book a valuable addition to their library collection. The treatment of line and mass drawing, brushstroke, cross-hatching, edge, composition, and such, are skillfully done. One would make a better artist simply by copying these drawings and learn to recreate the effects shown in them using the techniques mentioned. What a great number of valuable lessons in drawing for artists who believe in good draftsmanship and drawing skills.

Last but not least, what strikes me most perhaps is the figure drawing. Sensual, respectable (for crying out loud in this time and age!), beautiful posing, and masterful rendition. What a gem!

One second-to-final little note: As revealed in these drawings, and as we all know it, the figures of these old-time ladies are healthy, well-fed and attractive in their own right; attractive in the sense not only of being a beautiful creature to look at, but also a healthy and fertile mother-to-be!

As a final little note, for folks who would like to see anything with their analytical "artist's eyes", here is one for you to judge: Look at the drawing of "Lady-in-waiting to the Infanta Isabella" by Peter Paul Rubens (a flemish artist, 1577-1640) on the front cover (this drawing is Plate 58 in the book) and compare that with a picture of Alley McBeal (i.e. actress Calister Flockhart) to see for yourself. For a picture of Alley McBeal go to my "About You Area" for a book list about Alley McBeal, or one of the two books (both available at amazon.com): a) Ally McBeal: The Official Guide and b) David E. Kelley : The Man Behind Ally McBeal.