Wings to the Human Spirit

Here I'm posting the very My Book House story that I read as a boy, about Leonardo, and the inspiration it stirred in me is still evident today. Without giving anything away (assuming and hoping you will read this story), this is what it says at the end:

There was always something exciting in the workshop of Leonardo. (They) not only learned to paint there, but they learned to think and inquire and investigate the universe.

Without consciously adhering to that, our studios have somewhat followed suit—brimming with project overflows; sketches and paintings pinned and mounted everywhere; mannequins with ever-changing costumes; studio props; camera equipment of varying sizes; of course books everywhere; but above all—the aura of problem-solving and research into the mysteries of the universe. We certainly don't share Leonardo's genius, but we do share his curiosity and passion for knowledge.

Many of our projects entail interpretive graphics, meaning that we need to study and understand the subjects that we endeavor to explain visually. Over the years we have developed interpretive exhibits and murals about Egyptian, Chinese, Aztec and other assorted cultures; prehistoric animals and dinosaurs; current ecosystems; historical persons and events; space exploration and modern technologies; various branches of science; children's interests and issues; and currently just finished an up-to-date graphic portrayal of the origins and evolution of our planet earth. We are illustrating two books, as we speak; developing content graphics for two visitor centers in magnificent areas of the country; and creating portraits of very interesting people.

All of these projects require so much research and spill their contents through our brains and into hundreds of sketches and finished art pieces that fill our studios and our lives. Our daughter is majoring in theatrical stagecraft, which brings another magical dimension to our mix.

In addition, my personal interests push deep into the esoteric regions of science and philosophy, involving the mysteries of Time, Space, Dimensionality and the Human Condition. I don't have the conceit to think I could contribute substantially to the subjects, but curious, I am so curious.

Leonardo has always been close to my heart, and it started with this very story:

Donn P. Crane made so many drawings of so many subjects.

My Book House Faust

I'm glad to take requests, here and there as I can, and the request came in for more of Donn Crane illustrations—specifically from Goethe's Faust, as retold for children in the My Book House series. These scans are plucked from that particular article that began with a telling of Goethe's life and penchant for fantasy that led to his lifelong work of the full tale of Faust's deal with the devil, and then Crane went on to illustrate the tale itself.

From what I know, Donn Crane illustrated very few books outside the sets of My Book House and A Picturesque Tale of Progress volumes, which is a shame when you consider what else he might have done.

The Man Who Lived in the World of Dreams

Dante Alighieri—a man whose trek through heaven and hell has resonated through the centuries. If he hadn't truly lived, he would have had to be a protagonist of legend, like Faust.

Below, a beautiful portrait engraving of Dante, from a 19th century magazine.

Dante's life and visions were recounted for children in the wonderful early 20th century My Book House series, using the versatile Donn P. Crane as the illustrator, who has 'translated' the classic visuals of Gustave Doré.

Below, the opening page of the narrative, to give you the flavor of the text. It goes on recounting Dante's visions, but I'm just showing Crane's lovely drawings.