Angels and Wild Things: The Archetypal Poetics of Maurice Sendak
Although Sendak is one of the few children's illustrators whose work reaps wide coverage in national newspapers and magazines, his illustrations have not undergone such an intensive exploration since Selma Lane'sArt of Maurice Sendak(1980). Cech delivers a sophisticated analysis that delves into Sendak's writing and pictures and the rich symbolism of his work, all for the purpose of capturing the "unique Sendakian child." Focusing on the eight books that Sendak has both written and illustrated, Cech begins with the early robust characters from the Nutshell Library; leads readers through a thought-provoking examination of Max, Mickey, and Ida inWhere the Wild Things Are,The Night Kitchen, andOutside over There, respectively; and concludes by discussing the somewhat baffling images inDown in the Dumps with Jack and Guy. Sendak, Cech claims, "takes adults back to their [childhoods] and allows children to fully claim their own." This fascinating study, which includes a generous supply of black-and-white illustrations, a 12-page inset of full-color reproductions, and a complement of notes, will give students of children's literature and devotees of Sendak the chance to follow the trail.Barbara Elleman