The situation
I’ve considered illustrated versions of Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, Frank Herbert’s Dune, and Philippe Squarzoni’s Climate Changed.
I’ve seen books that are more explicit regarding socialism, racism, or sexism, but I’m not sure if those would alienate my more conservative friends. Maybe. Maybe not. Idk.
Regardless, I like fiction because it’s able to grip us with interesting narratives. I like beautiful art because it also grips us.
The question
Are there critical classics that I could find beautiful illustrated versions of? Are there more abstract books that are illustrated and beautiful?
Extra questions
Are there similar gifts other than books that could fulfill my purpose of pulling people’s attention and being critical or thought provoking? I was thinking a T-shirt with something interesting printed or sewn onto it. Or a poster? Idk…
Solid idea. I do not have an answer but I’d imagine a 20000 leagues under the sea illustrated version could draw people in. Captain Nemo, the Nautilus, countless fishes being described :)
I love Gustave Doré’s illustrations in classics. New editions with his illustrations are still in print; people on eBay sell older ones too, often at an excellent price, if one doesn’t mind a little wear and tear.
I can recommend The Theory and The Sandman: The Dream Hunters.
Dinotopia
While non-fiction, I can recommend W. E. B. Du Bois’s “Data Portraits”.
The context: DuBois and his students presented a series of data visualizations at the 1900 Paris Exposition. They mainly focus on the lives Black Americans, particularly during and post- Reconstruction.
It has a striking cover, and each page with a plate has a diagram that is contained enough to be thought provoking.
It does quite explicitly address racism, but conservatives might readily excuse it for addressing pre-1900s racism.
Brilliant! This is exactly the kind of stuff that I was looking for! Sure, it isn’t as beautiful in terms of today’s graphs or graphic novels, but it serves its purpose quite well! Thanks for the recommendation!
