Lovely Cover Art. Popular Science Vol. 146, No. 1. January 1945

New York: Popular Science Publishing, 1945 For many thousands of Americans who grew up during the 1930s through 1950s, Alexander Leydenfrost was the illustrator/artist that recorded the historical events of that generation. It is hard to pick up a "Life" magazine from World War II without finding his artwork. Alexander Leydenfrost was actually born Baron Sandor Leidenfrost in Debrecin, Hungary in 1888. His family's title dated back to the 16th century. In the tradition of nobility everywhere, Baron Leidenfrost studied fencing and fought duels and lived off his family money. But he also studied the arts and became a master of perspective. After the unpleasent events described above, Leidenfrost changed his name and emigrated to New York City. Because of his wounds from the duel, he could not walk around and apply for a normal job but he drew and painted a portfolio of artwork that Bela Lugosi and Peter Lorre shopped around for him. On the strength of that portfolio, they obtained enough assignments to support the whole group. After Leydenfrost recovered, Lugosi and Lorre left for Hollywood and stardom, while Leydenfrost prospered as an illustrator. He specialized in dramatic pictures of aircraft and spaceships; during World War II he painted a famous series of 35 illustrations of warplanes for Esquire magazine. Photo on request. The magazine has chipping to spine and age toning, the cover is very good.