Clickbait! A Treasure Trove of Pulp Fiction Cover Art Exhibition at Baylor University

 Exciting news as an art exhibition is currently on display at Baylor University in Waco, TX including a piece of original art by Fred Pfeiffer.

https://martinmuseum.artsandsciences.baylor.edu/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/clickbait-treasure-trove-pulp-fiction-cover-art

CLICKBAIT! A Treasure Trove of Pulp Fiction Cover Art

Open through September 1st, 2024

Sex, war, communists, cowboys, and killers. What do these all have in common? With the advent of cheap, mass production of books and magazines, these shocking subjects dominated popular American literature in the mid-20th century. Pulps, named after the inexpensive wood-pulp paper that was used to print on, became a genre of its own by luring millions of readers and dominating the paperback book market with a low price and covers featuring scenes of graphic violence, mystery, and scantily clad heroines.

Although it was the gritty and racy stories that kept readers buying the books…

Cover artists had a rather different, and challenging job- transforming pulp authors’ words into visually dynamic scenes that would grab potential readers’ attention and entice them into making a purchase. Many cover artists were formally trained, and more specifically, developed their artistic skills by working directly from the live, human model and the natural world. Utilizing formal elements such as dynamic perspective, busy compositions, and vibrant, contrasting color, cover artists skillfully created dazzling scenes that distracted potential buyers from the poor quality of paper used to publish pulp books. 

As pulp fiction became more popular, publishing houses began to pop up, and the demand for cover artists became greater. Consequently, the competition among publishers and artists got tougher, the stories and accompanying cover art became racier, and more controversial, thereby raising the pulse of both the readers and the censors. This combination of over-the-top visuals and startling descriptions served as analog clickbait for a potential buyer.

The artwork featured in this exhibition, are part of the archives of the Department of Art & Art History, and the Martin Museum of Art at Baylor University. Although not all pieces included in this show have an artist’s signature, below is a list of identified artists:

Hunter Barker
David Palladini
David Blossom
Julian Paul
Richard Harvey
Raymond (Ray) Pease
David McCall Johnston
Fred Pfeiffer
Ron (RH) Lesser
Art Renshaw
Saul Levine
Harry J. Schaare
Joseph Rudolph (Rudy) Nappi
Sydney (Syd) Shores
Victor Olson
Jack L. Thurston

Fred Pfeiffer - The Abominable Man 1974

 

What a great illustration! A Bantam Book from October 1974 with double Steve Holland illos.

While I can appreciate the stylized badge cut-out of the illustration, I wish we could see the entire painting. A very Doc Savage-like action painting. 

It has been a long dry spell of finding a new Pfeiffer, and this one is a beauty!

Fred Pfeiffer - French Movie Poster "The Hawaiians" 1970

 

French movie poster for The Hawaiians 1970. Chuck Heston is sporting a Doc Savage look.

The Pfeiffer signature is broken up but can be viewed on the far right along the brown wall of the swimming pool.

Fred Pfeiffer Birtday 07/14/40 - Today Is #80

Honoring Fred Pfeiffer today on his 80th birthday.

Also honoring Bobb Cotter, who created this artwork for me back in 2007. Bobb passed away in February of this year

Today is "Fred Pfeiffer Day"

Today is the anniversary of Fred Pfeiffer's birthday 7-14-40. He would have been 79 today.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Pfeiffer!

Fred Pfeiffer - The Fox From His Lair

Another book gotten from Robert's Bookshop in Lincoln City, OR.

Again, not 100% sure this is a Pfeiffer, but the clothing brushstrokes and the sun make me think it is his.

A Bantam book from August 1970.

Fred Pfeiffer- Black Sheep

 Not sure if this is a Pfeiffer or not, but the brush strokes on the clothes look like his early work.This is a Bantam from September 1968.

Book was found at Robert's Bookstore in Lincoln City, OR.

The Corner Shop - Bantam April 1970

Very nice find at Robert's Bookshop in Lincoln City, OR (on the Oregon coast).

Great stylized art with a perfect Pfeiffer signature and a great Steve Holland illustration.

Greetings From George Ladas

Our pal George Ladas sent holiday greetings along with his painting shown above.

Thanks, George, and "Cowabunga!" . Very nice!

Courtney Rogers

Fred Pfeiffer Art Award 2019

Hollis McCray-Clark has created The Fred Pfeiffer Art Award.

She graciously has bestowed the 2019 award to myself and Scotty Phillips. The front and back of the award are shown above.

Thank you, Hollis! What a great honor!

Fred Pfeiffer - Battle Road 1969

Here is a Macfadden paperback from 1969. While I do not see a Pfeiffer signature, this style is in his early work and he did do covers for Macfadden in this time period.

I got this book at Under Charlie's Covers in Bernalillo, NM recently.

Fred Pfeiffer: The White Wolverine Contract

Book #13 in the Joe Gall "The Nullifier" adventures published by Fawcett in December 1971.

While no Pfeiffer signature is visible nor cover credit given, this is definitely his work.

Fred Pfeiffer Portrait by Scotty Phillips

Here is a superb portrait of Fred done by our very own Pfiles man Scotty Phillips!

Fred Pfeiffer : Mystery On the Snow Original

Thanks to Pfiles Friend Peter C. for showing us his original Fred Pfeiffer Doc.
Jealously sinning wishing it was mine.  He told me he really does love it and has taken great care of it. Thanks Thanks Thanks Peter.  You got Great Taste buddy !
Scotty

Fred Pfeiffer: Sky High

Great Bantam wrap-a-round cover from January 1978. That is Fred himself in the stocking cap.

Honoring Mr. Pfeiffer today on the anniversary of his death.

George Ladas Happy #80!

Today we wish our good friend George Ladas a very happy 80th birthday!

George and Fred were best friends through art school and beyond. In the picture above, George is in the middle, with Fred on the right and another friend Bruce on the left.

Best to you always, George!

Courtney

Fred Pfeiffer - Harlem Underground

What better way to celebrate Mr. Pfeiffer's 76th birthday observance than by posting some newly found cover art.

Here is a 1969 Pyramid paperback by Ed Lacy.

Happy Birthday Fred.

Fred Pfeiffer - The Face of the Enemy 1969

 Here is a great piece of Pfeiffer art from Pyramid Books in 1969. This piece was recently on auction on eBay.

Fred Pfeiffer: Hearts Come Home 1970

 This Pocket book was published in September 1970.

On this date, 20 years ago in 1996, Fred Pfeiffer left this world. The Pfeiffer Pfiles is here to celebrate his life and art and to keep his memory alive.

Fred Pfeiffer: The Stockade Paperback Cover 1967

Fred Pfeiffer: The Stockade 1967

 Original cover illustration for the Macfadden-Bartell paperback "The Stockade". 1967

This sold on the Heritage Auctions website in October 2015.

Fred Pfeiffer: Brentwood 1970

Here is the earliest Bantam Book with a Pfeiffer cover I have found so far. Book was published January 1970. A nice Pfeiffer signature on this one.

Fred Pfeiffer: Ashley Hall

Another great cover by Mr. Pfeiffer, this time for Warner Paperback Library. A nice and bold vertical signature on the middle right. Book published in 1970.

Happy Birthday, Fred

Mr. Pfeiffer would have been 75 today. He was born on this date in 1940.

Fred Pfeiffer: The Man Who Killed the Deer

 Not sure whether a Pfeiffer or not. The way the clothing is painted plus the purple in the shirt point to Pfeiffer. 

A Pocket Book from August 1971.

Fred Pfeiffer: The Warm and Golden War 1969

A Pyramid book published in April 1969. The back cover says "Cover: Pfeiffer".

Fred Pfeiffer: Sweet Marpessa 1973

Definitely a Pfeiffer Bantam cover from May 1973, although a signature has not been found. The background drape is very comparable to the Doc Savage cover "The King Maker".

Early Pfeiffer ?

Remembering Fred Pfeiffer

 Thinking about Fred Pfeiffer on this day of the anniversary of his passing. 1/4/1996.

This photo is Fred from 1961 in LA.

Fred Pfeiffer : Death in the Castle 1970

 Here is a very colorful Pfeiffer painting for the Pocket Pearl S. Buck reprint series. A nice Pfeiffer signature is located under the castle on the right. 

Fred Pfeiffer: The Lotus and the Wind 1969 Ballantine

 Very nice cover by Fred. The original painting was sold last year at an auction house for a minimal amount of money. Here are some great picutres of the original painting.

Fred Pfeiffer: Tender Fire 1978

A nice wrap-a-round cover by Mr. Pfeiffer. This is a July 1978 Bantam paperback.

Pfeiffer Art Retraction: A Small Town in Germany

 Internet sources have said that the John LeCarre novel called "A Small Town in Germany" features artwork by Robert Foster, and not Fred Pfeiffer.

Both artists have similar styles and I have reviewed book covers with Foster art thinking it may be Pfeiffer, and then located the Foster signature.

Thanks Scotty and the internet for setting this straight!

Fred Pfeiffer: Blacklash 1969

This Pyramid book states "Cover: Pfeiffer" on the back. Plus there is a visible signature on the front.

Fred Pfeiffer: The Grapes of Wrath - Pfeiffer Art?

This 1970 Bantam was an early find in my Pfeiffer search. I am uncertain whether this is a Pfeiffer cover or not. Bob Larkin thinks it is, but I have my doubts. Thoughts?

Happy Birthday George Ladas #78!

Fred Pfeiffer: The Beggars Are Coming 1974 Bantam

Fred Pfeiffer: The Hawaiians Movie Poster Art 1970

 Here is a fantastic shot of the movie artwork for The Hawaiians. You can see the Pfeiffer signature on the far right along the outside wall of the "hot tub".

Pic is from IMDB.com.