A super interesting overview of theatre. Perfect for fans of theater and design. A great coffee table book.

I had a digital copy of this book to review and I must admit I was disappointed when my privileges allowing me to skim through the pages expired. However, Fraver by Design is a publication which would be better to physically hold so you can more easily skim through the pages. It would be the perfect coffee table book, something which would entice even the most fervent non reader to pick up and browse.

So what is the buzz all about? Basically, Fraver by Design: Five Decades of Theatre Poster Art from Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Beyond is a book of art, specifically the theatre poster designs used to advertise various Broadway Shows (and some not so close to Broadway) created by the talented Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo. Just the illustrations would make this mesmerizing book worthy of purchase, but in addition we get the author’s running commentary of the behind the scenes scuttlebutt surrounding each of these renderings. Anyone who is interested in the “business” will be fascinated by it all. A great gift for those who might have seen some of these shows or who would recognize the big league actors from the past as well as those who are currently on stage. Verlizzo’s explanations on how he created these specific pieces will also appeal to those with an artistic bend. Five stars.

A thank you to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review also appears on my blog, Gotta Read.

I enjoy theater but I'm not a buff. However, I could not stop reading this collection of Frank "Faver" Verlizzo's Broadway poster designs from several decades of work. The poster images are colorful and striking, and the anecdotes are compelling and often very funny--especially for the flops and failures you've never heard of. Will appeal to theater fans, graphic artists, collectors, and anyone who appreciates a good show biz tale.

'How does one come up with these things? A gargoyle with a gun...a philosophical frog with a book and a martini...' Actor and singer Jared Bradshaw asks these questions about Frank Verlizzo, the famous poster designer. 'Fraver' certainly must have an extraordinary imagination to produce such flamboyant and dramatic posters! This book includes background stories by Verlizzo and commentaries by Hollywood stars, such as Bernadette Peters.

This is an excellent book for art-lovers and for those learning the craft.

I received this free ebook from Net galley in return for an honest review.

This book about famous Broadway poster artist, Frank "Fraver" Verlizzo, is a must-read for all Broadway addicts. There's insight into how Fraver got inspiration for a variety of his art and inside info about the shows themselves. Not sure this would be interesting for other folks, but for Broadway fans, it's fun and interesting!

What a fun book. I loved reading the stories behind the posters and the plays. Along with the author's comments there are also comments from many of the people who have worked with Frank or been influenced by him. I really liked seeing the posters that were never used. Anyone who loves art and Broadway will love this book. Enjoy

Like I said earlier, I’m a big Broadway fan. And I think that Broadway posters can be true works of art. However, I found many of the posters, especially from shows that I find to be unsuitable, to be images that I didn’t enjoy looking at. I also was extremely disturbed by the story that the author told in a very cavalier manner of an actress being slightly traumatized by having to pose completely undressed with a stranger. That story would have bothered me and made me glad that I never became a famous actress anytime that I had heard it. In a post-Me Too world, it’s completely disgusting. They say waking up can be painful, but I don’t want to ever be blind to people being mistreated or abused, even for the pitiful excuse of “art.”

This was such a wonderful surprise of a book. As a true fan of musicals, and Broadway plays, I was completely taken in by this collection of well known advertising posters for such well known plays. Before reading this, I was unfamiliar with Fraver, but I immediately recognized his art. This book explains how he came up with his designs, and what inspired them. Such an outstanding book that would make a delightful gift for any Broadway, New York City, or musical fan.

I have received a much appreciated digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I love posters, always have - they hold such power on the general public in whether a show pulls people in or not - not unlike book covers.. These images are reproductions of the" Faver" exhibition, I wish I could have been there.
The book is like almost being there, as it reproduces many and includes a fabulous commentary from artists and Faver himself. A great book for graphic artist, marketers and artist (or anyone interested in posters.)

Very informative albeit a little long winded. I enjoyed this book but was expecting more gloss and picture book rather than so much text to read through. It provided a lot of info and I’d be sure to go back over it and learn something new every time.

This is so much fun! I love these posters representing Broadway's best! Delightful, Fun and beautiful, this can grace any coffee table! Thank you to Frank “Fraver” Verlizzo, for creating this wonderful book, and also to NetGalley and Schiffer Publishing Ltd., for the perusal!!

This book showcases the delightful theater posters of the author. Each is accompanied by a short description of the ideas behind the poster. Throughout the book is sprinkled with remembrances of people involved in the plays.

It's a wonderful look at many iconic images.

As a big fan of musicals, this was definitely an interesting book to peruse. I do think, however, that it would be more interesting to people that have a specific interest in graphic design.

A book filled with theatre posters is a dream for me as i am such a theatre nerd. It was great to know more about the posters of Broadway and i loved the insight that Fraver gives us. It was really interesting to see that some of my favourite and the most iconic posters of Broadway in the book. I enjoyed it overall but it is not a text that i would re-read again. The set out and the layout of it was clear and interesting and it made it for an easier to read and follow Fraver's thought.