Fred Marcellino

Fred Marcellino (1939-2001)
A Ring of Endless Light
pencil and airbrush on paper, mounted on board
20 x 15³⁄₄in. (50.8 x 39.9cm.)
executed in 1979

The original dust-jacket artwork for the first edition of Madeleine L'Engle's A Ring of Endless Light.

A Ring of Endless Light, published in 1980, is a pivotal work in young adult literature, exploring themes of love, death, and coming-of-age against a backdrop of scientific discovery and spiritual awakening. One of L'Engle's most poignant and beloved works, it won the Newbery Honor and continues to resonate with readers of all ages, influencing discussions on adolescent experience. The novel follows Vicky Austin, a teenage girl grappling with mortality and her emerging psychic abilities during a summer on Seven Bay Island. As Vicky confronts the impending death of her beloved grandfather and forms a deep connection with dolphins, L'Engle’s narrative blends scientific curiosity with profound philosophical and spiritual questions, exploring the delicate balance between joy and sorrow in life.

The present artwork was created by Fred Marcellino to grace the dust-jacket of A Ring of Endless Light's first edition as published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Marcellino's art is a striking visualization of the novel's themes of light, life, and transcendence, featuring a central image that captures the essence of Vicky's journey, with elements including the sea, the dolphin, and celestial imagery reflecting the book's exploration of both the natural and spiritual realms. The artwork stands as a visual embodiment of the book’s exploration of life, death, and the endless light that connects all things.