A truly astonishing, illustrated history of Science fiction, covering fantasy, and horror, with forays into crime, mystery and the gothic. Using timelines, online links, illustrations, posters, movie stills, book covers, and more, this amazing new book propels us into the well of modern imagination, from its roots in Frankenstein, through Verne, H.G. Wells, the late gothic and weird horror of Lovecraft to the mass market sensationalism of the Pulp magazines. The Pulps then invoked a new generation of writers (such as Ray Bradbury and Robert Bloch) of the Golden Age before many transitioned to screenwriting for the movies and early TV (Psycho, Star Trek, Twilight Zone), inspiring, in turn, the invasion of superheroes, gigantic spaceships, and dystopian landscapes onto our data-streaming tablets and computers.

The book explores the interplay between great writers, (Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke) and story-telling directors (Kubrick, James Cameron, Ridley Scott, Christopher Nolan, George Lucas) who create powerful Sci-Fi, reflecting and challenging the developments of technology, science and society. Each have played a major role in this all-consuming, speculative form of world-building, from its early manifestation as a shocking literary event, to the mass market sensation is today.

Street Art

by Russ Thorne

Published 15 September 2014
The Art of Fine Gifts: a new title in our bestselling large format series, Street Art is a fantastic foray into the unique and extremely creative world of this art form. The explosion of graffiti-styled street art in the early 1980s has continued to be a popular form of self-expression. By choosing public places to display their artwork, artists can achieve a more direct communication with the public, as opposed to being confined to the more formal art world. This exciting new book includes over 170 photographs of expressive and unconventional street art images from around the world, as well as a fascinating discussion of the styles, techniques and inspirations of both infamous artists and unknown talents. From mind-boggling illusions to satirical depictions, this book will have you looking on in awe.

The Day of the Dead

by Russ Thorne

Published 6 October 2015
The Day of the Dead is a festival of culture and youth, a feast of the senses and celebration of life in death. Originating in Mexico and the Latin American countries it began as a way of remembering departed relatives, as a means of embracing rather than fearing death. The beautiful rituals, the sugar skulls, the costumes and the festivities have grown into a massive counter culture across the western world. Art, movies, cartoons and literature have been consumed by the brilliant power of the Day of the Dead, tendered here in this lively new book, following Tattoo Art and Street Art, the latest title in Flame Tree's hugely successful Inspiration and Technique series.

Companion title to The Astounding Illustrated History of Science Fiction this new book reflects the same roots in Gothic literature but follows a complementary path through the 20th century, to the movies of Peter Jackson, the success of streaming TV series such as Grimm, and the fantasy of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. From the wellspring of Frankenstein, Germanic fairy tales, and heroic, epic myths a dark and fantastic path can be found to the fragmentation of the 1930s: the schlock horror of early modern movies, the invention of High Fantasy by Tolkien and fellow Inkling C.S. Lewis, and the pulp magazine powerhouse Weird Tales with Robert E. Howard’s sword and sorcery archetype Conan.

A brilliant concoction of movie posters, stills, book covers, fantastic art and incredible timelines.

Warriors and Heroes is a stunning display of incredible, contemporary fantasy artwork, a complement to its bestselling predecessor, Dragon Art. The first section covers 'Masters & Origins' and introduces some of the writers, characters and artists who helped to shape the fantasy world as we know it today – including James Allen St John, Roy G. Krenkel, the Hildebrandt Brothers and of course Frank Frazetta. A fascinating discussion of warriors and fantasy art follows on, running throughout the book, with a large selection of the best of the current crop of fantasy artists. Warriors & Heroes is interspersed with features on artists' works-in-progress, providing invaluable insight on technique and tools. Warriors & Heroes is a feast of visual imagination and a must for all fans of fantasy art.

Tattoo Art

by Russ Thorne

Published 1 September 2012
Tattoo Art is a stunning survey of some of the most amazing tattoo work being done today. Over 140 photographs full of character, colour and attitude showcase the many styles and images with which people are marking their bodies, while a fascinating discussion of tattooing as cultural phenomenon and art form, as well as what some tattoos mean and what to think about before getting one yourself, runs alongside. In addition, throughout the book you will find feature spreads dedicated to some of the most talented and innovative tattoo artists working around the world, with photographs showing the progression of pieces from design or outline to finished tattoo. Whether you are a tattoo fiend, thinking about braving the needle or simply appreciate eye-boggling artwork, look on in awe.