Reviews (1)

Visionary Photographer
"NightWalk" represents a collection of Kenna's earlier -- and best known -- work. These are Black and White, toned photographs that offer a unique vision and perspective of the natural landscape and some industrial sites. The subjects are always about form and light. Most taken at night or the early dawn or dusk reflect the solitude of that hour. This book -- if you can obtain a copy -- is a must for lovers of fine Black and White photography. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The msot intelligent book on the artists; groundbreaking
The most intelligent book on the artists. A groundbreaking study that is also highly readable. ... Read more

Book Description

This volume, one in a series of lavishly illustrated paperback books on major artists and their works, tells the story of Da Vinci. From a look at the artist's life and times, to the historical and social context in which he worked, to an analysis of his masterpieces, this is a vital visual resource with more than 300 superb full-color illustrations. The fact-based text is aimed at the general reader, and makes the series perfect for art-history students and art lovers of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Mostly Pictures - But It's An Art Book
I felt this book was tremendous for not only finding out what Leonardo's famous paintings are but also to compare his paintings to the works of many others. This book is full of paintings and sculpture. You're not going to get an in depth discussion of the history and theories behind each painting but I don't think that's the intent of a book like this. There's a lot of good information at the end also about famous artists of the Renaissance. Leonardo's painting talents were not only in his technique but also in the ideas and arrangements for the paintings. For example in 'The Last Supper' the figures are arranged in a unique way and 'The Virgin of the Rocks' introduced completely new ideas. Many other painters benefitted and used some of these ideas. Leonardo had a tremendous talent for painting the human face and accurately capturing the affects of light and shadow in paintings. He viewed painting as a science really which I think was more or less one of his unique characteristics. This book also mentions some of Leonardo's criticisms of others. Leonardo was never one to hesitate to criticize other people. He made a famous statement one time that many people are nothing more than consumers of food and producers of waste.

A VERY HELPFUL GUIDE TO LEONARDO'S ARTISTIC CAREER.
THIS BRIEF VOLUME ON LEONARDO IS CLEARLY NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE BIOGRAPHY, NOR DOES IT PROVIDE A DETAILED ANAYSIS OF EACH SURVIVING MASTERPIECE. IN 116 PAGES OF TEXT, SUCH A TASK IS SIMPLY IMPOSSIBLE. WHAT IS PROVIDED IS A CONCISE AND VERY WELL-ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO LEONARDO'S OUTPUT AS PAINTER. IN THIS REGARD THE VOLUME WORKS QUITE WELL, AND THE ILLUSTRATIONS AND DETAILS FURNISHED ARE REAL STRENGTHS. I FOUND THE COMPANION VOLUME FROM THIS SERIES ON CARAVAGGIO AN EXCELLENT COMPANION TO PETER RABB'S BIOGRAPHY OF THAT PAINTER, AND I EXPECT THAT THE LEONARDO VOLUME WOULD BE EQUALLY USEFUL AS A GUIDE IN THE READING OF A MORE DETAILED BIOGRAPHY OR STUDY.

A big disappointment
DK has accustomed us to great and attractively published art books, so I am sorry to say that its new series of illustrated "Artist" books is a big disappointment. I suppose it is meant to replace [?] DK's popular EyeWitness series, but it is a poor trade off. The book on Leonardo [one of several in the series] is a collection of superficial soundbites about the artist haphazardly thrown together without much coherence. The Mona Lisa, for example, receives mere three sentences of comment, and all three contain banal generalities. Did you know that her smile is mysterious? Or that the landscape in the background has "universal significance" [whatever that means]. You will not learn anything about the extensively researched symbolic elements in The Last Supper, and if you wondered what was the meaning of the "Madonna with the Pomegranate" you will have to look elsewhere. Despite DK's claim that each book in the series was authored by "a noted art historian" most of the books in the new series, including this one, do not even list the author on the cover or on the front page, and instead seem to be put together by a large editorial committee listed at the back [with the author of the text listed in minuscule text half way down the page]. There are other serious problems as well. Art reproductions are quite dark and small, compared to DK's similarly priced EyeWitness series books, and all important paintings are ruined by awkward and very intrusive squares and lines marked directly on them to provide comments. Reproductions do not include dimensions, and there is no painting title index at the end of the book, so finding a specific painting means thumbing through the pages. The main text of the series is typeset in a tall, narrow typeface which is rather awkward to read. There are no references to sources or suggested readings, so it is impossible to verify the origin of some surprisingly curious and unlikely claims [e.g. that Spanish Luis de Morales was influenced by Leonardo, p. 131]. Overall, this book and several titles of the new series I had a chance to browse through [on Goya, Caravaggio, and Bosch] compare unfavorably to similarly priced and just as attractively illustrated but well-researched and documented Discoveries Series from Abrams [e.g their book on Goya], or even with DK's own titles from the EyeWitness series. ... Read more

Book Description

This is the second of a two-volume catalogue raisonn of the work of Jacques Lipchitz, one of the greatest sculptors of the twentieth century. Volume One: The Paris Years 1910-1940 was published by Thames and Hudson in 1996. Volume Two documents and illustrates all the known sculptures that Lipchitz created during the second half of his long and prolific career, from his arrival in New York on June 13, 1941, until his death on Capri on May 27, 1973. Lipchitz's reputation as one of the masters of modern sculpture has long been based on the great Cubist carvings and bronzes of 1915-25 and on the experimental "transparents" of 1925-30. Although the sculpture from the American years has been widely exhibited, little serious critical attention has been paid to the iconography, the stylistic diversity, the spontaneity and boldness, and the technical innovations of this work. The 403 sculptures cataloged in Volume Two will provide, for the first time, the opportunity to reassess Lipchitz's late work. During the American years commissions occupied more and more of Lipchitz's time and energy. The preparatory studies for each work have been catalogued with the definitive bronze, allowing us to follow the evolution of the projects, from maquettes to monumental sculpture. In contrast to the large scale, public commissions, Lipchitz created the thematic "series" sculptures, which are a unique feature from the second half of his working life. In these intimate, deeply personal works, which he described as "small experimental pieces in which I am exploring new directions and new ideas," Lipchitz gave free rein to his explosive imagination.The authoritative two-volume catalogue raisonne, which will remain the definitive guide to Lipchitz's work, is essential for all those interested in twentieth-century sculpture. ... Read more

Book Description

This richly illustrated book reassesses the life and work of the beloved German printmaker, draftsman, and sculptor K_the Kollwitz, portraying her as an innovative and virtuosic artist rather than as merely a chronicler of particular themes. It will serve as the catalogue for an exhibition at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., from May 3 to August 16, 1992. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Though Jasper Johns is probably most famous for the now-iconic flag paintings he made during the 1950s, he continues to produce great paintings today. This latest body of work--first shown at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art--dates to the very late '90s. And this beautifully produced exhibition catalog offers readers a glimpse at and insight into the work called the Bridge series. There is a loneliness to these paintings, with their dark palette and single strings of color set against expansive gray spaces. The solitary strings allude to the cables of suspension bridges and hang in front of the pictures with a swooped, gravity-induced curve. The dark, mysterious quality of the canvasses is brightened somewhat by details like that of a harlequin's diamond pattern painted in muted colors. Childhood imagery appears here, too--a dragon figure from a long ago Halloween, for one. Though at first glance these moody, memory-imbued paintings seem very different from much of the painter's other work, Johns's trademark themes are not entirely absent. His predilection for playing up the sculptural elements of painting is evident in the pieces of wood framing he's attached to these and the illusion of painted wood framing around the edges of the works. While the Bridge series works represent something of a departure for Johns, the paintings maintain a strong connection to the motifs he's investigated throughout his career. This is a meditative and fascinating art book experience. [86 pages, 13 full-color plates, 15 black-and-white illustrations] --J.P. Cohen ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Johns and the Bridge Paintings
The first major departure in Johns's work in years, these "bridge" paintings are sensational. Having seen the actual paintings in San Francisco, I can attest to the general fidelity of the printed images, although the scale of the finished pieces is so vast in comparison with the book that they loose a bit in the translation of the surface textures. Richard S. Field has written a well-reasoned explanation of some of the imagery, and Joachim Pissarro takes the interesting tack of tying the paintings references to some of Hart Crane's poetry ("The Bridge"). The work Johns has done is always extraordinary, and in some cases transcendant. It will be fascinating to see how these catenary images are absorbed into his work ahead. I recommend the book highly.

One to miss
This book, like many museum publications, is a waste of tree pulp. None of the authors can write and the ideas are weak to boot. As a written work, this volume is an awful waste of time, but the new John's images are rather nice. ... Read more

Book Description

A generation after her death, German artist Käthe Kollwitz is winning a reputation as one of the great graphic artists of the 20th century. Concentrating on the more democratic media — especially etchings, lithographs, posters, and woodcuts, as well as sculpture and bronze reliefs — Kollwitz always created for the people, rather than for the upper-class collector. Kollwitz’s women are joyous or grief-stricken, thoughtful or shielding mothers; forlorn, pregnant widows; tender friends; prostitutes; militant pacifists or revolutionaries in action. Martha Kearns establishes Kollwitz’s contributions with many striking, seldom-seen reproductions from private collections, assembled in one volume for the first time. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Kathe is Haunting & Magnificent!
This book tells the story of Kathe, the woman. It's remarkable & haunts you for years after. Several of her sketches are included as well, but more of her art is all that could make this book better!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Brilliant First Monograph
This book is beautifully produced in every way. If you can imagine poetry translated into a visual language, Arreguin's paintings are that... and more! Surely Arreguin is one of the NW's greatest living artists. This book is a truly wonderful introduction to his work.

An artistic genius
Alfredo Arreguin's paintings are spectacular. Arreguin is one of the most important and awe-inspiring artists of the age. This book does an excellent job of detailing his life and art, as well as duplicating the intense colors of his canvasses. I cannot recommend this book enough. It would be a delight on the coffee table or as a gift.

Such a deal for color! What a story!
If you want intense color, intricate patterns and a forever drifting, shifting visual experience, then this book is the Intro to Arreguin for you! There is a color plate on most pages and the text is in English and Spanish in side-by side columns.

This book is so low-priced because 1) the publishers found donors to underwrite this first edition 2) Arreguin is not making a dime in royalties off this book.

If you don't know Arreguin's work yet, just type "Alfredo Arreguin" into your browser's search box and you will get several relevant hits.

Try it, you'll like it!

I bought five copies: four copies for gifts, and one copy for me.

The story of Arreguin's childhood and family turmoil will add some optimism and empathy for troubled children of divorced parents, I hope.

chris matzen
Bremerton, WA 98312 ... Read more

Book Description

The John S. Williams plantation in Georgia was operated largely with the labor of slaves-and this was in 1921, 56 years after the Civil War. Williams was not alone in using "peons," but his reaction to a federal investigation was almost unbelievable: he decided to destroy the evidence. Enlisting the aid of his trusted black farm boss, Clyde Manning, he began methodically killing his slaves. As this true story unfolds, each detail seems more shocking, and surprises continue in the aftermath, with a sensational trial galvanizing the nation and marking a turning point in the treatment of black Americans. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Lay This Body Down is a MUST read...
Lay This Body Down is a great book and one which flows quickly and easily. I found myself having trouble putting the book down. Williams is the embodiment of the plantation farmer during the early 20s. Manning is used as a wonderful vehicle for the reader to see what it was like through a "slave's" eyes. I was able to place myself right next to Manning's side throughout the book and could feel the horror/terror that he felt. This is a must read for anyone who has any interest in the history of the south and the way blacks were treated well after slavery was abolished.

engrossing history lesson
Lay This Body Down provides an engrossing look at a terrible act from twentieth century Georgia history that chills the reader to the bone. It is the fact that these events actually occurred that makes the story so powerful. Freeman's portrayal totally involves the reader so that he feels as if he were there. Bravo! I can't wait for Freeman's next book, whatever the topic.

Sad but true
Simply unbelievable! This book is based on court transcribed events and if it had not been for that simple fact, the atrocities found within the pages of Lay This Body Down would be incomprehensible. This fact based accounting of the 1921 murders of 11 plantation slaves in Newton and Jasper Counties, Georgia is horrific but sadly true. Yes you read correctly, the year is 1921, not during the officially recognized time of slavery. Slavery was legally over but a new system was rearing its head in the south - peonage. Peonage was a practice given prominence by southern plantation owners to employ workers (read enslave) for cheap or at no cost. If a Negro owed a debt and was unable to pay the debt he would be thrown in prison. With little to no hope of paying his fine -sometimes in amounts as low as a few dollars- he would sit in prison until... Wealthy landowners would visit the prisons and pay these menial fines and the person would be released to this landowner to repay the debt. It could and often did take a lifetime for this person to pay of the debt so they would be Peon's or Slaves to this person. Such is the case of the people found on the John S. Williams Plantation. Mr. Williams and his wife and 12 children occupied land in Newton County, Covington, Georgia. His older boys had plots of adjacent land and too employed peons. The Federal Bureau of Investigation from the Atlanta office had been called in to look at cases of Peonage - which was illegal, and their investigation lead to the Williams Plantation. Mr. Williams not being immediately present on the day the FBI came to call, found these revenuers interviewing his hired hand and overseer, a Negro named Clyde Manning. Understandably nervous and frightened Mr. Manning answered questions posed to him truthfully but they conflicted with Mr. Williams accounting. Now it was Mr. Williams' turn to become nervous and his remedy was to murder those Negroes who posed a threat to his families way of life. A cunning man, Mr. Williams had Mr. Manning conduct the murders. In an unprecedented decision, Mr. Williams was found guilty of murder based on the testimony of a black man and from 1921 to 1966 this did not happen again in a Georgia Court Room. Mr. Manning was also found guilty but both men were spared the death penalty.

These shocking and horrific crimes were well documented by the author, Gregory A. Freeman. He did a wonderful job of backing up this true tale with documented facts, figures and pictures. It's sad that this story had to be told but it illustrates that the south wasn't used to the idea, some 56 years after slavery- that all men are created equal. It is sad that Mr. Manning felt the need to comply with Mr. Williams wishes to kill his own people for fear of his own life and that of his family. Sadly not a lot of Georgians know about this case and I'm trying to determine if it is because this is just one of many cases and in the telling of family history this was commonplace. Read this book not to anger yourself but to get a greater understanding of the true side of history.

brings you too close to gruesome past!
This book is one of the most involving reads I ever had, more so cause this is based on concrete facts and the author clearly gives the sources, mentions that the statements are either quoted in toto from courtroom notes or from the newspapers. The author must be applauded for writing on such a sensitive topic and not trying to sensasionalize one side of the argument or the other.

I wouldn't recommend it as light reading, this should be read with a view to understand what went on in the southern states before and/or after the great emancipation. It was tremendously helpful to me to understand the varying treatment of the slaves in different plantations, frankly I was confused before by the contradictory treatment of this topic in 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' and 'Gone with the wind'

Double Standard
LAY THIS BODY DOWN was a small portrait of the double standards that existed among those who owned slaves. Such a "family man" as John Williams could inspire fear, hatred, and murder in his slaves and his sons. He was even a murderer himself. Yet, he could be kind to his wife and daughter. I read the book, not because I enjoyed it, but because it is a reminder of the evils inherent in the abuse of other people and other races. If we are not reminded, it will be repeated. John Williams was evil incarnate. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Book Description

8 color plates, 90 b/w illustrations Expressionist painter Ernst Ludwig Kirchner's Self-Portrait as Soldier (1915) is one of the best-known self-portraits of the modern classical period. With its sharp foreground focus on the uniformed artist's bloody amputated hand, the painting has long been interpreted as a vehement protest against war, specifically World War I and Kirchner's participation in it. Peter Springer's innovative study presents a convincing alternative reading of Kirchner's epochal work. Springer sees in it, not a harsh condemnation of militarism, but a marked ambivalence in the artist's attitude toward war. This new reading of the painting grows out of Springer's assessment of its imagery in relation to patronage, gender relations, and national identity--and particularly to propaganda and satire. Using Kirchner's letters and other documentation, much of it only recently available, Springer reconstructs the years of Kirchner's military service. He juxtaposes a range of visual contexts that include traditions of self-portraiture, depictions of prosthetic devices, and propaganda accounts of German soldiers hacking off the hands of Belgian and French children. He then considers Kirchner in relation to Albrecht Dürer and to theoretical arguments on the relative dominance of hand and mind in the pictorial arts that invoke the image of "Raphael without hands." Nearly 100 illustrations superbly complement the text. ... Read more