McGraw-Hill/public domain; copy from the Niels Bohr Library & Archives
Long before Maurice Sendak became known for his iconic work in “Where The Wild Things Are” (1963), he embarked on his career with illustrations for a 1947 popular science book on nuclear physics titled “Atomic for the Millions.” This marked his first professional illustrations at the age of 18. The text was authored by his physics teacher, Hyman Ruchlis, and professor Maxwell Leigh Eidinoff.
A lucrative deal for the young artist, Sendak agreed to work for 1% of the royalties, receiving an advance of $100, equivalent to around $1600 today. This early project laid the foundation for his illustrious artistic career.
Learn more about Sendak’s early physics illustrations in Ryan Dahn’s new article on Sendak’s work. The full book “Atomic for the Millions” can also be accessed on the HathiTrust website.
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