Considering that I jumped at the opportunity to buy my own copy of this book when I spotted it in a comic store in Saskatoon when I first moved to the Prairies (showing my true nerd colours to my coworkers, who were less than surprised) it makes me incredibly annoyed that I then allowed it to languish unread on my bookshelf for approximately 3 years… Not that there aren’t books that have been waiting longer, but none could possibly be as much of a delight as the definitive collection (incomplete as it is, due to the impossibility of collecting the full range of Vess’ work) of one of my favourite artists. I first became familiar with Charles Vess through his collaborations with Neil Gaiman and Charles de Lint (my pair of favourite authors), and I was well aware that he had worked as a cover illustrator and a fine fantasy artist, but his work in traditional superhero comics came as a complete surprise. If anything, this collection of art widened my perspective and makes me want to seek out more of his less mainstream work so that I can see the full range! ( )

This book is beautiful! I love Charles Vess' artwork. So magical. He does a lot of art for Charles de Lint, one of my favorite authors. ( )

Stunningly beautiful artwork in this volume. I knew I loved Vess' work before Drawing Down the Moon was released, but this book is a real treat. It's well put together, from many aspects. It has a lovely full-color hardcover, the pages are heavy and glossy, with transparent overlays for some of the full-page pieces. There's tremendous detail, with the inclusion of his thoughts on inspiration, and reproductions of his pencil drawings and rough drafts for some of the art. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy art. ( )