The Adventures of Pinocchio
Carlo Collodi
Simply Read Books
The memorable, award-winning illustrations of Iassen Ghiuselev add wonderfull flavor to the engaging story of a wooden boy who long to become human.
American Library Association “BOOKLIST”
Todd Morning
The Disney version of Pinocchio is so ingrained in the American consciousness that it is easy to forget how quirky, surrealistc, ironic, funny, and, at times, very dark the original novel is. For example, Pinocchio obliterates the talking crichet early in the story with a well-aimed blow from a hammer. The unabridged text appears here, and Bulgarian artist Iassen Ghiuselev captures the events of the picaresque plot in his many black-and-white drawings and full-page warercolors. His drawings are characrerized by intricate cross-hatchings and subtle use of shadows, while his paintings in cool colors, asre filled with beautifully rendered details, such as the folds of clotheing. In many of the watercolors, versions of familiara Renaissance paintings, whish echo the action of the story, are subtly tucked into the scene. A well-designed, brilliantly illustrated new edition of the classic.
The Georgia Straight
December 6-13, 2001
John Burns
This first title from Vancouver publisher Simply Read Books I sstunning. The translation is fine ( the original story will be a revelation to those unfortunate enogh to know it only through Disney), the printing is topfligth; most remarkable are Iassen Ghiuselev’s extraordinary drawings. There are limited copies available throughout the city, so call ahead. This is a must-buy.
A line of classics retold
December 13, 2002
Jane Doonan
Carlo Collodi’s The adventures of Pinocchio is one of the most handsome books of recent years, with large paintings in gouache, subtle in color, and drawings that mimic wood engraving.
Ghiuselev pictures a wholly convincing world. His puppet is true to Collodi’s headstrong creation,a gangly creation who could poke out anyone’s eye with his nose. And would.
The Fairy with the Blue Hair is in iconic descent form Madonnas by Pierro della Francesca, and adds psychological depth to Ghiuselev’s interpretation. The final painting, in which the Blue Fairy gives life to Pinocchio, is surely one of the most original and beautiful transformation scenes in children’s illustrated literature.
The Midwest book review
June 2002
Karen Haber
In yet another fresh artistic take on an old tale, Carlo Collodi’s classic Pinocchio has been given new life by the gifted Bulgarian artist Iassen Ghiuselev.
Ghiuselev’s award-winning illustrations make this handsome book a delight. His linework has an antique charm reminiscent of a mediaeval woodcut and an eccentric spirit that recalls the work of Barry Moser. The full color illustrations, tightly composed and crammed with details,also cast a delicate anachronistic spell with their faux hand colored appearance.
Ghiuselev’s work is a welcome revelation. Winner of the Illustrator of the Year award in 1994 at the Bologna Book Fair, he has published his illustrations internationally, and Pinocchio will only whet the appetite for more of this work. This is a book to treasure, both for its illustrations and sheer, loving book craft. The sewn-in-binding, the endpapers, the index of illustrations…sign. Simply - first-rate. Collectors of illustrated classic fairy tales won’t to miss this one.
New York Times Book Review
08.2002
Sam Swope
The Subject Was Noses
I loved Iassen Ghiuselev’s magnificent full-color paintings and drawings in his jaw-droppinghly beautiful oversized edition, but they’re too somber for “Pinocchio” They lack the commedia dell’arte spirit that lightens the story’s horrific events. Moreover, his puppet is no devilish scamp but a heavy, almost tragic figure; even Pinocchio’s smiles are melancholy.