I think it's important to consider that this book was written and published in NINETEEN THIRTY NINE! lol. I'm sure our ability to teach perspective drawing has evolved since then. well, the book is simply written and has exercises at the end of every chapter. it's pretty cute. still, I think I'd rather spend my money on a better, more modern book. sheesh. lol.

The book definitely helps understand the "math" parts of perspective, like grids and measurements, in a simple way. It really breaks down and it helps you to stop overthinking where things go. I haven't read it all, but just from what I've read I understand some of the concepts more than I initially did. The book is small but the text is larger, and there's a lot of example drawings to get ideas across. I also think this is a great book to help teach form since the only way to make it 3D is perspective, and it also goes over shadows. Mainly just how they set from different angles. Other things the book teaches is unusual perspectives and some reflections. A lot of ideas you'll find in some anatomy books, like Loomis' Figure Drawing, is drawing the body in perspective and around the horizon. This book helps understand those ideas when the anatomy book doesn't expand on it. Plus it'll help expand on drawing forms of the body in perspective for adding more realism. I think Figure Drawing Design and Invention with all the forms it teaches the reader. The only upsetting thing was mine came with a dog eared cover, kinda large, but it probably would have happened anyway at some point.

Like many budding artists I have struggled with perspective over the years, and had settled into the belief that "I've pretty much got it". But when I began doing some urban sketching recently, I realized I didn't have it. So, I started looking around for books and videos on the subject. In looking at reviews of various books on Amazon I saw this book mentioned a couple times as the only book you'll ever need on perspective. I checked it out, ordered it and ended up getting the kindle version as well. It's definitely all I'll ever need regarding perspective. It was written in a simpler time back in 1939, and its examples and illustrations are dated but still perfect from the standpoint of demonstration and an excellent balance between his text and his example drawings and illustrations. After viewing instructional videos and other books on the subject, I was actually amazed at how Mr. Norlong was able to write so succinctly and say so much in such a small book. He covers the basics as well as the more "complicated" concepts related to circles and ellipses. And all his examples are real examples, not things that you'll likely never draw. The book could actually be used in a course room, not only because it is so readable and easily understandable, but because he gives you simple assignments at the end of each chapter to ensure you practice what you were just taught, thus making it much easier to remember the information. Don't hesitate in buying this book. It will surely become one of your favorite books in your art reference library.

Great book! Explanations concerning perspective drawing easy to understand.

I bought this book based on Matt White's recommendation, an artist whose journey I greatly admire. Having studied graphic design in school and now working as an artist, I understand the importance of constantly honing my skills and exploring new techniques. This book provided a valuable refresher as I delve into creating scenery with characters in my unique style, with aspirations of illustrating children's books and potentially teaching art to young learners. What resonated with me the most was the reminder that all artists, regardless of their experience, must continue to learn and evolve. We're all on a journey of growth and discovery, and staying connected with fellow artists and embracing lifelong learning is crucial. As Michelangelo famously said, "I am still learning." This book comes highly recommended for anyone dedicated to their creative journey!

This paperback came in handy when certain drawing guidelines were so perplexing in lecture class. For some reason, these chapters that I read (still reading), were concise, thorough and informative; therefore, I'm really sold out on this book! So, if you're interested in general drawing sketches, or drafting architectural references, this is your book to start on perspective drawing! Please don't skip another semester without it!!

This book was first published in 1939, so it's been around a while. I first encountered it in high school art class circa 1968. Then I ran into it again in college during the 70's, in an Architectural Rendering class. I met it again during my 2nd trip into college mid 80's, in a Drawing Design class, again two semesters later in a Perspective Drawing class, & again the following semester in a Watercolor class. The book begins at square one on page one, with the most simple single point perspectives relative to a flat horizon. It progresses, step by step, through more complex compositions, with multiple vanishing points, planes, & horizon locations. This purchase was a replacement copy for the one I wore out. It will drive you to be a better artist, & to attempt more complex compositions.

Because it said i should read this book and its really easy to grasp, to learn how perspective works and it even guides you in real time