Wizards and Witches (The Enchanted World Series) [Lehane, Brendan, Time Life] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Wizards and Witches (The Enchanted World Series)
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When I got into D&D in 89/90 those were some of my main inspiration. I think I still have them somewhere.
The Enchanted World Time-Life series really did have some compelling art. It was, I believe, the first time I ever saw Saturn Devouring His Young by Goya. And, man, that was disturbing to me as a kid.
Though I remember the commercials when I was a kid, I didn't actually pick any of them up until a few years back. They really are gorgeous. And how they weave all the tales together into a greater narrative in each volume. But we're talking art here...
Michael Whelan book covers at my local library were a big one, as was previously mentioned. I was also really into the box art of the old CRPGs that my brother used to play. Never cared for the games, but those big boxes were great. Even before that, though, when I was just a little kid, I used to be kind of obsessed with the background art in cartoons. Whether it was Disney, Hanna Barbera, Warner, or whatever. They evoked a lot of cool vibes and atmosphere.