The Enchanted Realm, Art of Ed Beard Jr.
Review of The Enchanted Realm, Art of Ed Beard Jr.  When Ed Beard Jr. Was 11 years old, he knew what he wanted to do all day, every day for the rest of his life. He wanted to draw and paint. Now, more than 1000 published images later, he has gathered the most representative of his works into a book of instruction and inspiration for other young would-be artists. The Enchanted Realm, Art of Ed Beard Jr. ($17.95) is an impressive collection of his works, showing the techniques he uses to bring the written word into a visual reality. It's arranged by theme, from dragons, to wizards, from unicorns, to mermaids. Drawing from the anatomy of real creatures like reptiles, horses and birds, Ed creates imaginary creatures you hope you never meet.  His works include illustrations of Tolkien creatures, Wizards of the Coast publications and numerous game card and calendar art. --Williamsport Sun Gazette - written by Besty Rider, Owner of Otto's Books, Williamsport, PAWow!!! This book is long over due. You have got to hand it to Ed. He is persistent.  What they came up with is nothing short or one of the biggest bargains in the art book world. $17.95 for almost 100 pages!! What are they kidding, and over half in color!! This book is easily a $24.99 to $29.99 price point and all done in the good old U. S. of A. No imports from the far east.  It has a how too aspect as well as giving a sense of who Ed is and what forges the talent as well as the man. I have been collecting and selling fantasy art for several years at my store Mark's Comics & Collectibles in New York. I have dealt with Ken Kelly, Larry Elmore, Clyde Caldwell, Brom, R.K. Post, Luis Royo, and too many others to name. I own originals from all of them. Out of all the artists I know and have dealt with, I have only asked one to do a commission for me. You guessed it, Ed Beard Jr. --Mark Aronowitz - Owner of Mark's Comics and Collectibles, NY