Art Architecture Photography Books

Overall, I thought this was an enormously attractive, informative book. The many crisply-photographed images seem to have been selected with care, myriad interesting and attractive Art Deco pieces. The text covered a great deal of specific Art Deco-era designers and their works with great comprehensiveness. Expect primer, not only on major artists and key pieces, but also on the companies for which these artists worked, the expositions at which they exhibited, and the schools to which they belonged (as well as a bit about the related political and social climates of the time.)

My only problem with the book arises from the selection and arrangement of its images. Although there are lots of wonderful photos, only a handful of them seem to actually be mentioned in the text (the rest I assume are of pieces that have been in Christie's possession over the years.) The few images that ARE mentioned in the book are seldom anywhere near the place in the text where they're mentioned, so I had read well over a quarter of the book before I realized that I had the opportunity to actually SEE some of the things being talked about. Even a note telling the reader where a photo of the object could be located would have been useful.

Nevertheless, it's a wonderful book that I highly recommend for both the casual and serious Deco enthusiast alike. Knowing that there are some images of a few of the objects mentioned in the text, however, will enrich your reading experience noticeably.

Christie's Art Deco, edited by Fiona Gallagher, is an excellent overview of the Art Deco period with highlights of the major designers of each category with innovations in the respective fields of design. It is written in a scholarly narrative text. Categories included are architectural detailing, furniture, glass, ceramics, silver and metalware, jewelry, sculpture, and graphics/posters. It has 192 pages with approximately 120 color photographs and an excellent bibliography given for further research. It is an excellent choice for a wide range of readers with an interest in the decorative arts.

In 1930, William Van Alen (architect of New York's Chrysler Building) invented his Art Deco design to embody the spirit of his age when art was expected to be higher, faster, and more dynamic than was to be found in any prior age. Superbly illustrated with images drawn from the Christie's archives, and enhanced with commentaries by Michael Jeffery, Simon Andrews, and Nicolette White, Christie's Art Deco is an informative as it is beautiful, complete capturing the dynamic essence of an art style that defined an era with everything from Japanese ceramics to Swiss poster designs to French glass to American architect, and more. Highly recommended for art history students, art deco collectors and connoisseurs, as well as anyone with an eye for enduring beauty, Christie's Art Deco is enriched with collector's tips, a glossary, museum addresses, Christie's addresses, a select bibliography for further study, and a very helpful index.

This is a brilliant insight into the wonderful world of art by the a number of great writers. From the excellently edited magazine, Modern Painters, this book takes "the best bits," displayed beautifully with exquisite pictures. a MUST for anyone this Christmas.

These essays DO present a fresh perspective to art and artists--much of the pedantry and obfuscation so common in dialogues on art is absent here. As well, Mr. Burnett's editing, crisp and elegant, contributes greatly to a fine volume. Highly recommended.......... a must.

Puzzled by modern art? Bored by art criticism? Then "Writers On Artists" is the book for you. This unique collection of modern art works accompanied by essays by contemporary writers is a colorful feast for the eyes in every way.

Just as each writer may take a distinctly different view of modern art, every contributor is sincere in bringing modern art to the many who find it remote or incomprehensible.

With 350 full-color reproductions as well as portraits of the artists and writers this stimulating and challenging volume provokes discussion just as it provides entertainment. Reading Will Self's take on outre Damien Hirst makes art fun.

Author Howard Jacobson takes on Andy Warhol, and Germain Greer extols the virtues of Portugese artist Paula Rego. Noted British author Julian Barnes finds challenges and implicit questions in the paintings of Edgar Degas.

And so it goes in "Writers On Artists," a fantastic journey through the works of artists guided by the writers' pens.

- Gail Cooke

I really enjoyed learning more about art and artists from these writers. They approach the artists from a neutral place, they ask fresh questions - often revealing a lot about themselves in the process and they obviously want to learn about the art rather than judge it. Excellent reading.

This book provides a good overview of architectural photography, with many inspiring images and much discussion of various aspects of technqiue and the creative process. Buy this book if you wish to explore architectural photography and are looking for ideas and guidance. Don't be put off by the mention of "black and white photography" on the cover -- the content is applicable to colour photography as well.

Celebrate the Emerald Isle's lush green fields, distinctive architecture, charming homes, and exquisite handmade crafts. With more than 150 striking color photographs, this gorgeous volume showcases the breathtaking designs and whimsical style of the Irish countryside.

Published in conjunction with an exhibit of traditional Saudi doors, this coffee-table book shows traditional doors that are actually still in use throughout the kingdom. A brief introductory essay outlines the differences in style and materials used for construction throughout the four regions of Saudi Arabia. And then it's on to the photographs, which, is has to be said, are somewhat of a disappointment. There are several magnificent doors shown, however in many cases the photographer seems to have had real problems with the natural lighting. Many of the photos are either washed out from being overexposed, or are murky, with details lost in shadows. It's a shame that the photos aren't more consistent, because when they are good, they are very good. Unfortunately, there are also a few instances where somewhere in the book's production, the negative has been flipped. In general though, the book's production is very nice, with rich, thick paper. Interspersed with the photographs is some beautiful calligraphy by the master Mohammed Zakariya. A brief afterword says all the usual things about traditional Islamic art and architecture. All in all, of mixed quality and of limited interest.

I saw this book in its preparation stages before its ultimate publication. Many of the photographs provided inspiration for the marvellous exhibition on Saudi Arabian doors that was presented by the Al-Nahda foundation in Riyadh in 1995.

For anyone wanting to learn more about Saudi Arabia, this book provides a wonderful visual experience to the culture and history of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.