Dr. Seuss: The Cat Behind the Hat

This beautifully produced book was originally published as Secrets of the Deep and accompanied a traveling exhibition, The Art of Dr. Seuss. Fans of Dr. Seuss (Ted Geisel) will find here many of the characters they've come to love, but the scope and intent of the book is to show that there is much more to Geisel's art than most realize, much of which is more appropriate for adults than children. Particularly striking are the examples of his "midnight paintings," images that he intended to be shown only after his death. The familiar humor, use of color and trademark fantastic creatures are present and recognizable but the work is clearly personal, beyond any limitations his image and commercial considerations may have imposed upon his other work. The book is rounded out with informative biographical text and other seldom-seen examples of Geisel's early illustration work and political satire.