Portrait
of Harlin Quist as Pan.
(Taken from a promotional poster for Harlin Quist Books.)
The
Books of Harlin Quist
The unofficial website
for Harlin Quist book fans.
Harlin
Quist
was an American book publisher who set a new standard of excellence in
children's book publishing during the late 1960's.
From 1966-1984, Quist published over sixty children's books, featuring
some of the finest European and American authors and illustrators. Quist's
books helped establish the careers of many young artists, and brought
a quirky and original look to childrens' book publishing.
Quist began as a theatrical producer before turning to publishing; he started his career at Crowell-Collier and then moved to Dell, where he worked on the first paperback picture books.
Many of the books were translations of books originally published in France.
The peak years for the Quist books are arguably 1970-1973, when the books were at their most flamboyant. This was when Quist was publishing large, lush editions such as The Teletrips of Alala featuring art by Nicole Claveloux (one of the Quist's main artists) and Story Number 1 and Story Number 2 (both written by famed playwright Eugene Ionesco and illustrated by the Swiss artist Etienne Delessert). However, as the 1970s continued, Quist's books become smaller and less impressive. By 1976 Quist was reduced to publishing modest little paperbacks, such as Go Go Grabote and Dracula Spectacula.
In the 1980s,
Quist branched out a bit, publishing art monographs such as Resemblances
and The World of Donald Evans.
Today, the Quist books are remembered by a small group of appreciative collectors who prize these books for their remarkable artwork and design.
For one year he ventured into adult books, for which he won two American Book Awards. Following those awards, Quist left publishing for a time, and became involved in theater and other interests.
Book
Dealers that carry
Quist books:
In the 1990s, after a 15 year hiatus, Quist began publishing books again in France, where he spent most of his time. He re-issued some of his older children's titles as well as publishing new ones for European distribution. One of his books was When Cats Are Green. A native of Minnesota, Quist received an award from the French government for his achievements as a book publisher in Europe.
Harlin Quist died May 13, 2000. He was 69.
In December 2000—seven months after Quist's death—the Minnesota Center for Book Arts had an exhibit of Harlin Quist art.
Publisher's Weekly also ran a brief obituary on Harlin Quist in 2000.
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Do you
have information on other Harlin Quist books?
Ted Jalbert would like to hear from you! Email any comments and send text/gifs/jpegs
to Ted Jalbert.
I am also seeking information on the books of Nicole Claveloux, Etienne Delessert, and other alumni from the Harlin Quist books. If you have any information you would like to add to this list, please feel free to email your input. (<<<--------see email address on the left)
Pertinent Links: