BOOK REVIEW: Beautiful Lego by Mike Doyle

[Blakbird]

I just received my copy of "Beautiful Lego" by Mike Doyle from publisher No Starch Press. Many AFOLs like myself are already aware of Mike's work on well publicized Victorian Houses and other unique MOCs. If you haven't already checked out Mike's website, make sure to do so. His massive microscale MOC (an apparent oxymoron) is on the cover.

At first glance, $29.95 seems like a high price for a 280 page book. However, as soon as you crack this open you understand why it is worth it. The book is printed on heavy, glossy paper in full color. Every single page is full of high resolution, sharp color images. For the most part, this is a picture book. There are several (~5) interviews with prominent builders which each cover a couple of pages, but otherwise the book is a collection of well organized images. Make no mistake, this is not your ordinary Lego book. This is a book which stands out as transcending the genre of Lego building and appeals to the reader on an artistic level. If you've ever looked at a book of art which contains a collection of artistic works, you'll recognize the layout, the captions with title, date, and artist name, and even the minimalist slim sans serif font. The book can easily be placed on a coffee table and appeal to visitors in your home whether or not they have any interest in Lego. If you are looking for a way to convince your family or significant other that this hobby has real merit as a form of sculpture and is not just a kid's toy, this book is the way.

Within the pages are sculptures of human figures, historic scenes, robots, spaceships, cars, animals, buildings (past and future), and even pure abstract art. There is a bit of something for every taste (except Technic, which I personally missed). From 5 feet away, most images would not be recognizable as Lego. I found myself repeatedly holding the book a few inches from my face to convince myself of what I was seeing. Then I would suddenly recognize a minifg torso, a whip, or an octopus used in a totally unexpected way. I particularly enjoyed looking at the models of curved, irregular organic subjects since most would assume this is something that could not be realistically produced with Lego.

If you are an avid follower of the online Lego community, you've probably seen many/most of these MOCs before. However, you'll notice that the presentation has changed. Virtually every image has an interesting colored and textured background to enhance the MOC. Since I recognize many of these MOCs from several years ago and I know they had originally been presented on a blank white background, I suspect Mike did a tremendous amount of Photoshop work to update the presentation. (Mike is credited inside the cover with layout and retouch work).

[eurotrash]

Good review! It sound like a great Xmas pressie....

[Herky]

wow, checked out his site and pics, amazing work, can't imagine the time and money to do all this, labor of love, the victorian house is very cool, just feels like you are seeing it decay, very talented guy

[Bricksonwheels]

I received my copy, and it is a very good book, enjoyed looking at all the moc's in there. Indeed an ideal table book to show everybody what can be done with Lego.