“Carefree art of the imagination” in words and images: Franz Josef Tripp’s Illustrations in Erica Lillegg-Jené’s Children’s Book Feuerfreund (1957)

Abstract

The following article analyzes the illustrations by Franz Josef Tripp in the fantastic children’s book Feuerfreund (1957) by Erica Lillegg-Jené. It focuses on different techniques that Tripp already used in this book and later applied to his more popular works for texts by Michael Ende and Otfried Preußler. It is assumed that this book, which received critical acclaim, was the breakthrough for Tripp as an illustrator. Tripps contribution to the work matched Lillegg’s innovative text and facilitated reception/appreciation. The analysis takes into account the concept of “paratext” by Genette and compares the illustrations and typography to show how Tripp influenced the final book.