H.J. Ward Hardcover – October 7, 2010

Just received this book which is comparable in quality to David Saunder's book on Norm Saunders,....which is to say a superb effort. It is an oversized book on excellent paper with a paper dj as well as an imprinted image on front board book. Great production qualities by The Illustrated Press. Mostly full size repro of 7 Lone Ranger pulp covers. Hundreds of high definition glossy cover photos(sized to be appreciated at 4 per large book size page) of Spicy Mystery, Spicy Detective, Spicy Adventure, Private Detective, Speed Adventure, Spicy Western, Super Detective, etc. The pulp covers look as though they came from a just-purchased-off-the-newstand collection. Quite a few pages with blown-up(or zoomed in)detail art from the actual oil paintings which led to the magazine covers. A bibliography of Ward/s pulp art is here. Quite a few repros from the actual paintings themselves. A must have for risque art or damsel in distress popular art. Saunders points out that many of the damsels in Ward's paintings do not have a rescuer in sight and likely are going to have to depend on their wiles to escape rape/murder/kidnapping. Also his work on Lone Ranger, Green Hornet, Superman. He died at an early age of 36 during WW 2 of lung cancer. Good family background/photos also.

Lots of Beautiful Full color plates, However I felt there was way too much text for an art book, FAR too much detail and exposition , Also too many supplemental and B&W progressive pieces,, I believe the book could have supported at least 20 more full page illos. had these elements been condensed, Overall well worth it and a fantastic book, But hopefully In the future we will see another volume with only full page illos and minimal text

This book is a real dream come true. High quality binding. Full color throughout, printed on high quality paper. One of the most fascinating chapters of this book is the story behind H.J. Ward's 1940 painting of Superman. This chapter reveals the artistic influences and the actual person who posed as the Man of Steel for this iconic painting. The story is all here. There is also a couple of very nice chapters that covers The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet. Including, aside from the magazine covers, some promotional and product advertisement art. Truly beautiful art abounds on nearly every page of this book. Detective, adventure, and even some spicy magazine cover art, it's all here. David Saunders writes a very informative and entertaining story of a great artist who left us too, too early. The late, great Hugh Joseph Ward.

And I own many. THis is page after page of superb craftsmanship, burly gangsters, femme fatales, brave heroes and wide eyed, teary women in peril. Equal in quality and depth to the author's previous book on his father's work, Norman Saunders. Every page elicits a gasp; it's too rich in imagery to take in one sitting. The best bang for buck, too - I hemmed and hawwed for years on purchasing - now I'd say it's the best money I ever spent on classic pulp illustration. Mr. Ward was, I submit, an artistic genius

H.J. Ward gave skilled artistic perfection to any story he illustrated. This book shows the excellent quality of his work and his since of action and adventure. It should serve as inspiration to any artist looking to perfect their craft.This book gives insight into the types of stories that captured the imagination of readers over the span of many years. An excellent addition to your library of keepers.

This vol. is breathtaking in its exceptional masterpieces created by Ward. A work that can be pored over again and again.This is a book that I found hard to lay down and is certainly one of my favourite books.Ward has a truly unique and accomplished style and is a tragic loss at such a young age.

Following his Norm Saunders book, author David Saunders examines in glorious full color detail the life and art of pulp artist H. J. Ward. And, like his previous efforts, Saunders wisely keeps the text to a well written minimum and focuses on the fantastic art. Highly recommended for anyone who loves pulps, illustration art, or a bargain.

The book is well laid out and the illustrations are shown in full color and some in large size giving you an excellent idea of Ward's work. The text about Ward is well-written and well researched. David Saunders did excellent work bringing this illustrator's life and work to the public.