Monté: King of Atom-Age Monster Decals

This book is a visual party, an inspiring and eye-opening celebration of an artist about whom I knew little -- but whose work I instantly recognized, as will nearly all kids of a certain age. The reminiscences of his family bring a real warmth to the party. Super-rare samples of his pencil preliminaries and his largely unknown stained glass work round out the picture of a multiply talented artist, who seems to have had a genuine talent for living.Although I don't want the tail to wag the dog here, it has to be admitted that one of the most intriguing aspects of the book is the controversy it exposes -- of which I had been unaware -- as to the pedigree of that durable icon of the '60s, Rat Fink. I don't want to spoil any of the books surprises, so maybe I'd better leave it at that. But as one of author Selby's interviewees says in so many words, there's enough solid innovation and creativity undebatably credited to Monté that we shouldn't sweat the Rat Fink credit. I agree. While any question of the paternity of Rat Fink is earth-shaking stuff for some of us to ponder, it really isn't the main point of the book, and I find it deeply saddening to think of a great artist like Monté having lost sleep over what Rat Fink did for Roth.The inclusion of an ultra-cool set of Monté water slide decals tucked into the back of the book (reproductions) takes this book to the next level. (See my photo.)A beautifully-done, essential book.

I have waited 50 years for this book. Wonderful it is to finally read about the mysterious hepcat that created the coolest, hippest monster decals ever.Being the same age as the author, Bill Selby, I know the impact these decals had on boys our age. Gloriously repulsive they may have been but that is exactly what hooked us. I still clearly remember the cardboard display of Monte decals right next to the cash register at the hobby shop and trying to decide which decal to get of all those fantastic choices.Those wild designs captivated this kid and have forever stuck in my mind.It is so great to see all this art again and to read about the artist.If you love the 50's, pop culture, old decals, monsters or the history of lowbrow art you owe it to yourself to buy this book.

What I thought had crossed the horizon into oblivion turns out to be skillful documented by Bill Selby. Highly recommend.

If you like Ed Roth, love 50’s and 60’s hot rod culture than you absolutely need to know about Monté! READ THIS BOOK! Haha

Very nice item ...Recommended

What a cool book! If you dig this kind of art, I would highly recommend you pick up this book. Not only does it give the history of artist Monte' along with his contemporaries and imitators, it also gives you full-color pages of his work as well as some actual decals! The cover tells you all you need to know.

dont be a sissy just buy the dang thing already millions of copys sold should say something for the sheer awesomeness of this book actually i have no idea how many copies were sold but i think you should buy it anyway

Full Disclosure - Bill Selby is my uncle. So how I came upon this book was more based on nepotism than a deep love for this particular cultural phenomena. But I can honestly say that this book had me thinking beyond the specific subject to the connection of 50s decals to other generation's counter culture collecting habits because of the painstakingly loving detail given to this book. The photos of Monte are just amazing, as they show a man and his passions. And the complete retrospective of the actual art took me back to my personal days of keeping up with the latest artwork on skateboards and graffiti stickers in the 80s and 90s. That generational connection would never have been noticed by me without someone like Selby taking his own passion for this sub cultural moment and shining a well deserved light on it.