Since TASCHEN released The Great American Pin-up, international interest in this distinctly American art form has increased exponentially. Paintings by leading artists such as Alberto Vargas, George Petty, and Gil Elvgren 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. 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, largely sourced from the original art, invites the viewer to trace the brushstrokes, while the exquisite period calendars, vintage prints, and original model photos document the artists\' creative process. (W) Dian Hanson & Various (A) Alberto Vargas & Various (CA) Gil Elvgren