Recently while looking at old SF I was reminded of the illustrations of spaceships that decorated covers in the eighties, which led to me remembering a book of such illustrations. The book purported to be a catalogue/overview of historic military spaceships, with descriptions and fake specifications. It was quite beautifully done. The particular style of illustration was quite popular at the time.
I’ve tried to find the book’s title/author but haven’t been able to. The illustrations looked like those of Chris Foss (example 1, example 2). However, he doesn’t seem to have done a book as described. There are apparently artists with similar styles (Eddie Jones for example).
Anyone have an idea what the book/illustrator might have been?
While I don’t have any answer to your question, I must say thanks for bringing this up.
I’d been recollecting on a similar book to the one you’re describing, with lots of art similar to the Chris Foss stuff you linked to. I seem to recall seeing it in the late 70’s/early 80’s as a large-ish picture book at our local K-Mart.
I wasn’t having any luck finding the book, and was contemplating throwing out a question here in CS, but didn’t feel I had enough info for anyone to go on.
Some more examples of this kinda stuff (which I like):
I used to have it (and several sequels) but gave them away several moves back when I had to thin my library down dramatically. I thought they were quite cleverly done.
taanstaafl, I don’t know if you’re responding to me or the OP, but I think you nailed it. Mr. Cowley’s Spacewreck looks hauntingly familiar. The art style is almost dead-on from what I (think I) remember, as well as the recommended selections Amazon’s throwing in as well.
I’m almost sure I know the book you mean, too - and about three years after I read it, someone got me a birthday card with the picture “Premature Ignition” on it, which was in the collection in question. (I think the ship might have been called “Cutlass” in the book, and was shown taking off too early from a refuelling station.)