<p>Since TASCHEN released <em>The Great American Pin-up</em>, international interest in this distinctly American art form has increased exponentially. Paintings by leading artists such as <strong>Alberto Vargas</strong>, <strong>George Petty</strong>, and <strong>Gil Elvgren</strong> that sold for $ 2,000 in 1996 are going for $ 200,000 and more today. Pin-up¿drawings, paintings, and pastels of an idealized female face and figure intended for public display¿was produced between 1920 and 1970 for calendars, magazine covers, and centerfolds. <strong>The majority of original paintings were discarded by publishers and calendar companies after printing, making the surviving art that much more precious</strong>.<br><br>This attractively priced edition showcases the top 10 names in the game. Each chapter opens with a reproduction of an original calendar or magazine cover by that artist. The reproduction quality of the paintings, pastels, and preparatory sketches that follow¿<strong>largely so