Illustration

Al Buell’s Iconic 1959 Illustration in Cosmopolitan

In June 1959, Cosmopolitan published John D MacDonald's short story "Crossroads," featuring Al Buell's illustrations, highlighting themes of suspense and danger.

Illustration by Al Buell - Crossroads June 1959 Cosmopolitan
Illustration by Al Buell – Crossroads June 1959 Cosmopolitan

This illustration by Al Buell was published in the June 1959 edition of Cosmopolitan magazine. It accompanied a short story mystery written by John D MacDonald titled Crossroads.

Another powerful novel of suspense by one of the great mystery writers of today. Its theme: a prowling world of evil and the foolish girl who opened the door and let him in.

Crossroads by John D MacDonald with illustration by Al Buell - Cosmo June 1959
Crossroads by John D MacDonald with illustration by Al Buell – Cosmo June 1959

Both MacDonald and Buell were accomplished professionals in the mid-century and beyond.

John D MacDonald was known for his mystery short stories, novels, and screen plays. This includes the popular Travis McGee series which spanned 2 decades as well as the movie Cape Fear.

Al Buell was known for his Pin-up girl illustrations and WWII Americana posters. The 23 page short story included 2 illustrations by Buell. Here is the 2nd.

1959 Illustration by Al Buell for Crossroads short story by john D MacDonald
1959 Illustration by Al Buell for Crossroads short story by john D MacDonald

References

John D MacDonald:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_D._MacDonald

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0531792/

http://jdmhomepage.org/

Al Buell:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Buell


Illustration by Al Buell - Vintage Love on MidCenturyPage.com
Illustration by Al Buell – Vintage Love on MidCenturyPage.com
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About Janet

I'm an American baby boomer with a strange hobby. I collect mid-century women's magazines. My blog, MidCenturyPage.com is a result of a 20 year passion to scan the pages of these magazines and share them with anyone who wants to understand what mid-century women thought about, cared about, and worried about while living in the 1950's and 1960's

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