Frank R. Paul Father of Science Fiction Art

Book excerpt: Born in 1884, Frank R. Paul was slated to study for the priesthood; instead, he studied art and architectural and mechanical drafting. The impact of these studies is evident in his brilliant and original science fiction artwork. To say that Frank R. Paul is the father of science fiction illustration art is an understatement. His fertile imagination, amply demonstrated by the paintings and drawings in this book, speak for themselves and his legacy continues to influence the field today. Here, in this compendium, is the very first collection ever published showcasing many of Paul's full color science fiction artwork along with appreciations and critical essays by Sir Arthur C. Clarke and by Stephen Koshak; Jerry Weist and Roger Hill; Sam Moskowitz; Gerry de la Ree; Forrest J. Ackerman; and Frank Wu.