Gertrude Stein's Wars I Have Seen (1945) shows just how divergent the American and English concepts for dust jacket art can be. The American edition was more graphic, in keeping with the modern style that would become even more prevalent in the decades to come. The English edition featured an attractive watercolor by Gertrude Stein's friend and occasional houseguest Cecil Beaton. It depicts Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas and their poodle Basket in their garden at Bilignin, their country home about five hours southeast of Paris. They took refuge there during World War II, which Stein covers in the book.
Verdict.
The English. It is one of Beaton's better illustrations, and it more properly conveys the meaning and tone of the book. Besides, the graphic style was to become overdone in the coming decades.
Verdict.
The English. It is one of Beaton's better illustrations, and it more properly conveys the meaning and tone of the book. Besides, the graphic style was to become overdone in the coming decades.
First American Edition Wars I Have Seen, American Edition, Random House | First English Edition Wars I Have Seen, English Edition, B.T. Batsford |
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