Book Description

Reviews (1)

Good, Artistic, and usable
It is real good to have giftwrap paper related to Van Gogh's painting. The cost is cheap and is worthful. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (6)

Great reading but could have been better
One of the more interesting books on Napoleonic campaigns, especially one that there haven't been too many books written about it. I found the book to be quite an enjoyable read but like most of the other people who wrote reveiws on it, what bring down the book was lousy maps. Considering the details that the author offered in the book in tracing movements, battles and all that, good maps should have been alloted all over the book. Instead there were basically generic maps in the middle of the book. It sad when I have to go to other books like West Point Atlas of Napoleonic Wars to get a clearer pictures of what the author was trying to say. Considering how familiar the author is to the entire area of operation, maybe he fell into a mind trap of thinking that everyone knows the terrains as much as he. Other then that, I don't have much more to add then what was written before.

Good book, and the only major source on the subject
Studies of Napoleon's Italian campaign are hard to come by, so this book fills a very important space in Napoleonic historiography. The author does a fine job, with a large amount of detail being presented in a readable style. One comes away feeling they have gained a solid understanding of the campaign.

The book could have made better it the author had carefully examined the mindset of Napoleon himself, and how he felt about everything he was doing. The book also ended rather abruptly, without a discussion of the long-term effects of Napoleon's campaign.

Despite those flaws, this book was very good and should be read by anyone attempting to understand the Napoleonic period.

I couldn't get past the first few chapters
This is a massive book and doubtless would repay those who can finish it. I didn't like the text. I found the first few chapters rather dreary as the author was trying to set the stage for Napoleon's foray into Italy. I didn't like feel of the book -the paper used was bad and the pictures were bad. And as for the maps? Well, the maps were cursory.
I'll stick to my copy of Attack in the West and Napoleon in Italy for a clear account of this campaign.

Great & Exciting Account of Napoleon's Italian Campaign
This exciting new book on Napoleon's Italian campaign of 1796 by Martin Boycott-Brown is a great story of Napoleon Bonaparte's first military campaign. In over 500 pages of text the author presents a fluid and easy to follow account of the actions and maneuvers of this military genius. He starts the book with a number of chapters outlining the French and Austrian armies, their weapons and tactics, and a brief account of Napoleon's rise to the command of the French armies in Italy.

From there the author takes us on a journey with Napoleon and his army as they march and battle against the combined forces of the Allied armies in Italy. The narrative is easy to follow, is well written and researched and has numerous first-hand accounts throughout.

The only major problem that I have with this book is the maps. I think that there could have been a few more and they should have been placed in the relevant areas of the narrative. I also think that the standard of those supplied could have been of a higher quality. Further, considering that the author lived in the area of these battles, I would have liked to have seen a few photographs of the region and personalities involved.

Those criticisms aside, overall this is an excellent book covering a period of Napoleon's career that is usually glossed over in most current studies. I am sure that the majority of readers who enjoy this period of history or who like good solid accounts of military history will thoroughly enjoy this book.

"The most detailed and coherent account of the campaign that I have ever read.... A truly first-rate study." - Philip Haythornthwaite

Napoleon's Finest Campaign?
FINALLY! A modern author has provided the English-speaking audience with well-researched coverage of Napoleon Bonaparte's first major campaign in an excellent introduction to the Napoleonic wars. Boycott-Brown's hefty volume replaces those older, hard to find, shorter works such as Jackson's ATTACK in the WEST, Adlow's NAPOLEON in ITALY and Ferrero's THE GAMBLE. Brown's work is far more comprehensive and incorporates a most impressive body of research complimented with a lovely bibliography and fairly decent maps. Personally, I enjoyed the author's clear, readable style with a pleasant undercurrent of cultured wit and humor. Along with astute, thoughtful commentary and some fairly sharp analysis, the reader will discover some enlightening asides such as descriptions of Massena's adroit HUMINT network, Austrian secret courier methods, or examples of French drafting of orders. As an old staff officer I particularly enjoy an author who can appreciate the necessity of less glamorous pursuits such as planning, intelligence, and logistics to ensure 'glorious' victories on the battlefield. I am once again amazed at Bonaparte's capacity for work and his grasp of military history and geography -that in-depth research and planning which supplied the vital underpinnings of his spectacular successes. As the indefatigable Berthier commented on his commander, "...he works a lot." The author has done Napoleonic scholars a great service with this nice book - enjoy. ... Read more

Book Description

Choice drawings—from early impressions of peasant life to studies for Starry Night, other masterpieces. 44 b/w illus. Captions.
... Read more

Reviews (3)

Celebrate Love!
Need a thoughtful gift to let someone know how much they mean to you?

Look no further than this compact beautifully illustrated book. Besides showcasing some of his most recognizable work, sprinkled throughout are some of Andy's wry observations on love & romance.

This is the perfect gift for Valentine's Day, an anniversary or a loved one's birthday. You can give it to Mom or to your spouse & they are sure to feel the love.

This is actually one of several books in a series...Cats,Cats,Cats is adorable & would be an unusual gift for the cat fanatic in your life.

I have love & cats, so I can honestly recommend both titles.

A whimsical tribute to love
"Love, Love, Love," by Andy Warhol, reproduces several different works, done in various media, by graphic artist Andy Warhol. Some of the selections are black-and-white, and some are in full color. These drawings and paintings are complemented by many quotes from Andy Warhol on the title subject.

This is a delightful book, full of witty and whimsical images. Hearts, flowers, angels, lips, and other motifs are frequently used. This is a great book both for both Warhol devotees and for general readers.

Great lines, great pictures...
The pages pour out with emotion! I loved every minute of it! You would love this if you love love... Give it to your lover and you're sure to receive smiles and more!!! ... Read more

Book Description

The emergence of early Netherlandish painting and its dissemination throughout Europe took place during one of the most intriguing epochs in the history of Western Europe. This age of transition from the late Middle Ages to early modern times was characterized by fundamental changes in economics, politics, religion, society, and—in its broadest sense—culture.

It is no coincidence that the art of Jan van Eyck, the Master of Flémalle, Rogier van der Weyden, Hugo van der Goes, Hans Memling, and Gerard David flowered in the period that saw the formation and expansion of a mighty Burgundian state in the prosperous provinces of the Netherlands and the neighboring regions. The ever-growing political significance of Burgundy was reflected by the success of Burgundian culture abroad. From the outset, members of the Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese business communities residing in Flanders, such as the Arnolfini and Portinari, took pride in commissioning works by Netherlandish painters that were eagerly sought after by the princes and urban entrepreneurs of their homelands. The Sforza of Milan sent their court painter to Bugatto to train with Rogier van der Weyden; Alphonso V of Aragon ordered his painter Dalmau to travel to the Netherlands; and Isabella of Castile appointed Juan de Flandes alongside other Northerners as her court painter. The presence of Netherlandish works of art in the South inspired Iberian, French, and Italian artists such as Jean Fouquet, Filippino Lippi, Antonello da Messina, Bartolomé Bermejo, and Nuño Gonçalves.

This book explores the complex artistic, cultural, socioeconomic, and political relationships between Burgundian Netherlands and the Mediterranean. It offers a lavishly illustrated panorama of the work of Jan van Eyck and his followers, and focuses on their share in the development of painting in southern France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal, reproducing many of the finest works of European Renaissance painting. 380 illustrations, 220 in color. ... Read more

Book Description

Tom Wesselmann, best known for his series of Great American Nudes, begun in the early 60s and continuing still, is one of the more subtle of the American Pop artists, known more for isolating and abstracting items of the pop visual experience into a new two-dimensional context, than for layering it on, more and more and more. As might be guessed from the title of his most famous series, his imagery often partakes of the female body, or parts of it. This particular publication focuses on his latest works, made in 2002 and 2003, and includes recent studies and maquettes as well. A lavish introductory section, which recapitulates Wesselmann's life and work, offers further insight into a master of the Pop Art form.

Essays by Danilo Eccher and Slim Stealingworth.

Hardcover, 11.5 x 8.25 in./88 pgs / 36 color and 23 b & w. ... Read more

Book Description

Thirteen years after his death, Andy Warhol's art is more dominant andomnipresent than ever before. In particular, his serial works—the Campbell's Soup Can,Jackie, Marilyn, Mao, and others—have been reproduced everywhere and haveprofoundly influenced our perception and thinking about mass culture. This striking bookis a highly original survey of Warhol's entire creative output.

The book begins with an overview of Warhol's work by Ernst Beyeler and Georg Freithat ranges over the Campbell's Soup Can pictures, Warhol's first attempt at using asuccession of images based on the same motif in various paintings; the early silk screenprints (portraits of such teenage idols as Elvis Presley, Warren Beatty, and NatalieWood); the Disaster pictures, which reveal the dark side of American consumerpositivism; and the later works, including the Last Supper in which Warhol celebrates hisown immortality. Peter Gidal then discusses two ofWarhol's single works, themonumental Saturday's Disaster and the thirty-minute film Blow Job. And EdwardSanders examines some of Warhol's images in the context of his life and times. Togetherthe text and copious illustrations are a magnificent testimony to Warhol's contributions tothe world of art. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The artist as the perfectionist
This book does an excellent job of exploring the many contradictions of the life and career of an artist who was both his own biggest fan/promoter and his own harshest critic. The book presents the many talents (artist,etcher,interior designer to name a few) and his many flaws (vain, arrogant, bitter and self serving attitude) while still showing the human side of the artist . The illustrations are complete and a glorious showing of both his popular works as well as his less known pieces. The triad of this book, "Diabolical Designs" and "Beyond the Myth" reveal an artist who deserves much more critical and popular attention. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Andrew Wyeth's achievement is unmatched by other modern American realist painters: he produced canvasses that became American icons, deepening our sense of the possibilities of representational painting in an abstract age. This biography, produced by family friend Richard Meryman, who first wrote about Wyeth for Life magazine in 1964, takes in not only Andrew Wyeth's life but three generations of Wyeths: the peerless illustrator N. C. Wyeth, Andrew's father; Andrew Wyeth; and Jamie, Andrew's son and a successful realist painter in his own right. The "Secret Life" of the title refers in part, of course, to the "Helga" paintings, sketches, drawings, and portraits (many of them in the nude) of Wyeth's neighbor, later his companion and assistant, Helga Testorf. The revelation of the "Helga" series gave the married Wyeth's life, at almost 70, a final dose of drama. This new biography, besides delving deeply into Wyeth's personal life, includes long discussions of almost every Wyeth canvas. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Answers to My Questoins Found Here
In a museum about two hours driving from where I live, there was an "Andrew Wyeth Show" where many of his work were shown. I am writing this several days after I saw the show.

To me, the "mystery" was his paintings. Why do they look like more than mere images? Why other realism painting don't catch my attention like those of Wyeth's? His skills as a painter is without a doubt a perfection, but that's not it. What, then, does make his work special?

That was all I wanted to know, and reading Chapters 1 and 2 were enough for me to draw my own conclusion. I found some important keywords that I don't list here because important keywords differ from person to person. I am sure if you read this book with a mission you can find some keywords that helps you - as a painter.

I think that each chapter should have had a name instead of just chapter 2, chapter 3, and so forth because not everybody has time to read this thick book and not everybody is interested in knowing the every detail of the painter. Some chapter had less importance to me, although I am sure they may be important to other people. They were description of his family members and people who had something to do with the painter, but I find them too detail for my purpose of reading.

I think this book can be compressed and will still be as good as it is if compressed wisely. It is too bad that a reader has to read the whole book to see what is written in each chapter. If I was a writer I would have had a chapter for Christina Olson, a chapter for Wyeth as a young person, a chapter for his inspiration, a chapter for the influence from his family especially his father, and so on. That way it is easier to read and go back to where you want to go back to find something that captured your attention. I had to flip pages after pages because the book is not organized.

Andrew Wyeth is a dirty old man
After I read the other 5 reviews I wondered if we had read the same book! In this much too revealing biography, Andrew Wyeth comes across as a man with some very real problems. How so? How would you feel about a neighbor of yours in his 70s who would shed all his clothes and drive around naked on a motorcycle at night? How would you feel about the same man streaking with a niece through a boring party? How would you feel about a man who secretly painted a voluptuous blonde model in the nude for 15 years secretly and hid it from his wife? The list could go and on. What readers have to realize as I have is that tremendously gifted men and women can be brilliant at their gifts of genius and yet fall flat on their faces as decent human beings. There is no doubt that Andrew Wyeth is a genius. There are few who can capture the feeling of loneliness, country, the inner soul of his models with such sensitivity and yet can turn into a leering dirty old man, have a mouth that spews forth utter filth and his people skills are of the lowest caliber. Once some people went to see the artist to commission him to paint something for them and by the end of the visit decided against it because of the way he came across.

I recommend Wyeth's early studies from the 50's to the late 60's as examples of egg tempera painting at its highest level but as far as any young artists emulating his life and mannersisms, they should be warned. There have been artists who have been shining examplesby their lives- Durer, Rembrandt, Cole and Church come to mind- men who were passionate about their work and living on the highest levels of morality and goodness. An artist does not have to be a flaming reprobate to be a success.

Wyeth sees very little that is not jaundiced in life. I was disappointed in the extreme at some of the things that were written in this book. It really caused me to reevaluate my respect for the man. I would not want to know him personally and now I find it difficult to stomach some of his images knowing what he really thinks abaut them. The whole family needs to sober up and walk more circumspectly. If you decide to read this book, you were warned. It is a depressing experience at best. I recommned the Life of John Adams by David McCullough instead!

UNFATHOMABLE SECRETS
This book deals with Andrew Wyeth's relationships.Importantly, it often deals with Andrew Wyeth's relationships simulataneously.One relationship is analysed andthe conclusions are superimposed onto another relationship to seek similarities or contrasts.

Describe the book as a series of overlapping X-rays of Andrew Wyeth's relationships, if you will, but do not expect Meryman to give you one final, big revelation.

Rather, Meryman goes for all the details and intricacies without at any time repeating himself or getting boring.The book is an exciting exploration of a complex and great artist.Meryman is all the time getting there, removing the layers of skin around Wyeth's core secrets, but never actually arriving at the heart, no matter how many accurate, sensitive, well-aimed X-rays he plies.

You sense, though, that the tension in his major relationships -- with his father NC Wyeth, his wife Betsy, his two sons, his sisters, his black friends, the people he painted most, namely, Helga, the Kuerners, the Olsons -- you sense that the tautness of feelings in each case, sharply controlled, come to bloom in his meticulously executed paintings which are austere yet quintessential life.

Paintings feeding on life.Life sublimated into art.And thus the reason, as Meryman shows, why Wyeth could not just paint anything, why before Wyeth embarked on a picture he had to be sure it had enough emotional engagement to see him through to the end, why his subjects became themselves the objects of his emotions, an intimate part of his life, like Helga.

The first picture I saw of Wyeth's was "Winter 1946", showing a boy seemingly lost in the fields.He did this the year after his father's death.Anyone who has lost a parent cannot help recognising the anguish in this picture.

To unleash such power, Wyeth had to find and assimilate it. Throughout his life Andrew Wyeth is seeking emotional momentum, whatever the cost.

It seems that, early in his life, pushed by NC's example and encouragement, Wyeth came to terms with the sacrifices which his art demanded.And yet it comes out clearly in Meryman's book that Wyeth could not come to terms with this driving force, with the brute rush, the ruthlessness which seeking emotional momentum implies.

This is a great book, sensitively written, comprehensive.

Holding it in your hand you can see that it is well-illustrated. It needs a proper index badly, though.

If you want to know Andrew Wyeth, go for it !

A work worthy of its subject, however...
Mr. Richard Meryman has been writing about Mr. Andrew Wyeth for decades.With the possible exception of Family he is as well qualified as anyone tobring this deeply personal biography to readers and art lovers alike. Hissubject is a man who many would argue to be one of, if not the finestartist this Country is home to. When placed among his Father, his Sisters,and his Son, there is no other Family who has contributed to the art worldfor such a long period of time, in so prominent a manner, and with so higha level of excellence. The 21st Century marks the beginning of the thirdthat the Wyeth name has maintained its place in the world of art and thehearts and imaginations of collectors. As a Family their History is alreadythe material of both myth and legend.

My cautionary note in the title isimportant in direct relation to what you know about the man, who he paints,why, and what one of the most prevalent themes that mark his work are. Icame to this book as a great admirer of his work, and I finished it with mylove for his work intact, I do not have any of the same ideas I once didprior to reading the book.

"Christina's World" which is one ofhis singularly well known works, is also one of the least understood. Thehouse and its influence on the artist did spawn it's own art book, but theevents in that house could inspire several more. The same can be said ofChristina Olson. Once I read about the work and what Mr. Wyeth had to say,I felt foolish in my ignorance, the fact that my misconceptions are sharedto this day bring no comfort.

The book does not require any knowledge ofMr. Wyeth to be read and enjoyed. It certainly will add to the experienceif you know of the model that is recognized simply as "Helga".Mr. Meryman introduces you to Helga Testorf, and intriguing women in herown right who continues to assist Mr. Wyeth to this day.

This book alsobrings to the reader Mrs. Betsy Wyeth, who is much more than the Wife ofthis man. She is a powerful partner, a shrewd businesswoman, and thanks toher efforts the body of his work will be documented.

Many of hiswell-known works are serene, even gentle; fishing nets drying in a seabreeze, or Mr. Wyeth's dog sleeping with his head upon a pillow like anyperson would do. These images are only a veneer to the story the storiesand life experiences that caused Mr. Wyeth to document them. A given imageis like one page from hundreds that really explain what the work is allabout.

You most likely will view this great man's work differently afteryou finish the book, but different does not mean negatively or morepositively, rather just not the way you started.

Mr. Meryman has writtena brilliant biography that is erudite, readable, and a triumph in that thesubject of this work is incredibly complex and enigmatic.

Brilliantsubject, and a written work that pays tribute to the man, his Family, hiswork, and some of the people he paints, without fawning over him.

Biography which would appeal primarily to artists.
After reading Michealis' N. C. Wyeth biography, this was something of a letdown. ... Read more

Book Description

The Cambridge Companion to Velázquez offers a synthetic overview of one of the greatest painters of Golden Age Spain and seventeenth century Europe.With contributions from art historians and those working in other disciplines, this book offers fresh approaches to the vast literature on this artist. The essays also guide the reader to an understanding of Velázquez's work--his training in his native Seville, reflections in his oeuvre of artistic currents from outside Spain, and how Velázquez's religious paintings may be understood within the religious context of Counter-Reformation Spain. ... Read more

Book Description

This beautiful volume, companion to the earlier, highly regarded Giotto to Dürer, is a guide to the sixteenth-century paintings of London's National Gallery. It examines the finest works of such artists as Holbein, Raphael, Cranach, Titian, Gossaert, and Bronzino and provides fascinating insights into the individual masterpieces and their makers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A MASTERPIECES IN ART CATALOGUES
JOSE LOPEZ-REY IN HIS BOOK CATALOGUE RAISONNE GATHERS ALL OF THE VELAZQUEZ PAINTINGS, FROM THOSE IN PRIVATE HANDS AND THOSE IN PUBLIC GALLERIES, ALSO HE TELLS US ABOUT THE BEST VELAZQUEZ COLLECTIONS IN THE WORLD : LIKE THOSE AT THE PRADO, THE NATIONAL GALLERY AND THE MET ... Read more

Book Description

Journeying to Queens, one of New York City's outer boroughs, is a much easier and more pleasant experience than the average urbanite would imagine. With the temporary relocation of The Museum of Modern Art, New York, to its new quarters at the old Swingline staple factory, the trip becomes a necessity for any art lover. But how do you get there? Do you take the Concord? A ferry boat? Can you walk? How far is it? And how will you know when you're there? Fear these travels not--William Wegman and the ever ominous, sensitive, brooding Chip, the youngest of Wegman's brood of weimaraners, are here to map out the way to MoMA QNS. Join Chip as he shuttles from Manhattan into Long Island City on the 7 train, alight from the subway with him at Queens Boulevard and 33rd Street, and stroll together along Queens Boulevard, "the Champs Elysée of Long Island City." Voilà, there you are at MoMA QNS, a striking, long blue building, complete with 160,000 square feet of recently redesigned space for exhibition galleries, study centers, workshops, storage, offices, and a café/bookstore. Enjoy the trip! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

A breathtaking book
Bill Viola rules my dreams. The exhibition at the Whitney stunned me and it stayed with me for a long time. I wish there were more images from his notebooks in this collection since the display of notes/inspirations were as fascinating as the installations themselves. You might have seen some of his work featured in the recent Nine Inch Nails US tour. If you want to see the zenith of video/installation art, you must spend some time with Bill Viola's work. (He's also a delight to meet).

vvvv
c ... Read more

Reviews (3)

absolutely darling
I found this book at a pop art display at a local museum and being that I adore cats, this made me appreciate them much more. The book includes beautiful cat illustrations along with quotes from Warhol.

absolutely darling
A wonderful coffee table book. Beautiful illustrations and quotations from Andy Warhol. Saw this book at a pop art gallery and had to have it!!

Having A "Catitude" Attitude
This book is a treasure for anyone who who knows and loves cats. Treat yourself to the upbeat feline philosophy that captures the inner joy awaiting to be born in everyone of us. ... Read more