Obvious State Illustrated Classics are bold, artful editions of timeless works by Eliot, Poe, Whitman, Thoreau, Frost, Dickinson, Aurelius, Shakespeare, & more.
What sets the books apart is the design-forward approach: Conceptual, thoughtful illustrations that play with visual puns and irony, complimented by elegant, striking typography.
All art is original and the work of Obvious State Cofounder, Evan Robertson
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3 Books for $30
Code: 3BOOKS
Obvious State is an independent press co-founded by husband and wife team Nichole and Evan Robertson in 2011.
Our work is inspired by beautiful language that has stood the test of time, witty insights that strike a chord, poetry that stretches the imagination, and philosophy that prompts critical thinking.
We strive to share wisdom and beauty through tangible, artful objects that spark reflection and joy.
Currently sold out, but more stock is arriving on Dec 31st. Pre-order your copy now!Featuring nine of his most beloved works, this artful anthology...
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“Even while we speak, time flies. Seize the day. Trust not in tomorrow.” - Horace Carpe Diem is a collection of classic works and poems carefully s...
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Currently sold out, but more stock is arriving on Dec 31st. Pre-order your copy now! An elegant, illustrated book of poetry, excerpts, and musings ...
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This carefully crafted collection of Dickinson’s poems blends poetic verse and visual storytelling into a seamless narrative that shines a light on...
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The Meditations has long been revered as a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy. However, because it was his personal journal, its prose is dense and un...
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Walt Whitman's visionary manifesto, visually reimagined. Carefully culled to about one third of its original length, this version provides the perf...
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Henry David Thoreau threw down the gauntlet in 1854, and Walden is more relevant than ever. To Live Deliberately is our visual re-imagining of Th...
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Currently sold out, but more stock is arriving on Dec 31st. Pre-order your copy now!An artfully illustrated book of poetry, excerpts, and musings f...
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Forget the sublime, let’s get ridiculous! Shakespeare’s most preposterous stage directions, cheeky insults, and laugh-out-loud observations are gua...
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T.S. Eliot’s timeless modernist masterpiece visually reimagined. This fully illustrated edition explores Eliot’s themes of indecision and isolation...
View full detailsThe Meditationshas long been revered as a cornerstone of Stoic philosophy. However, because it was his personal journal, its prose is dense and unorganized. This illustrated, abridged edition brings Aurelius's wisdom into sharp focus by carefully selecting and reorganizing the passages into twelve thematic chapters, each focusing on a central Stoic principle.
The resulting narrative feels considered and personal, and the thoughtful illustrations enhance the experience, bringing aesthetic beauty to his enduring ideas.
