“The Magic Box” is a 1970s art book that teaches adults how to process life and death through the eyes of child-like whimsy.
“This book will scare you if you’re stupid. If you are not stupid, it will make you happy,” says Joseph Pintauro, writer of “The Magic Box.”
As adults grow into themselves, they lose their childlike sense of wonder. Life becomes more practical and serious as death looms closer. It can be hard to accept the non-negotiable terms of life and death, especially for adults. Poet Joseph Pintauro and artist Norman Laliberté observed these complicated feelings firsthand and set out to share a new way of processing the seasons of life and living them to the fullest. Thus, “The Magic Box” was born.
The Rainbow Box
“The Rainbow Box” is a limited edition tetralogy of psychedelic poems, artwork, and collages published by Pintauro and Laliberté in 1970. It features one art book for each season of the year: “The Magic Box” for autumn, ”The Peace Box” for winter, ”The Rabbit Box” for spring, and ”A Box of Sun” for summer. Each volume is a commentary on the nature and philosophical themes of each season.
Finding the entire collection of this mid-century marvel is rare. First editions in good condition are selling for upwards of $2,000.
The Magic Box
With the creation of the “Magic Box,” Pintauro and Laliberté aim to enlighten the minds of those closed off to the magic of living and the inevitability of death.
The book uses the writing and art styles of children’s books to emphasize the whimsy of life and make the ideas around death more palatable for readers. With its avant-garde approach and eccentric art styles, “The Magic Box” is a groundbreaking piece that stands the test of time.
Take a Peek Inside
“The Magic Box” is better appreciated with your eyes on the artwork. Take a look at some of the pages and make up your mind about the meaning.
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Carley Bishop
Carley is an editorial lifestyle writer and aspiring novelist. She is based in North Carolina where she resides with her husband and their puppy, Daisy, and is a proud graduate of University of South Carolina. Carley is a lifelong bookworm who enjoys reading everything from the classics to modern romances. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys traveling, getting outside and trying new recipes at home.
