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Although it’s fascinating as a history, Webb’s body of work is artistically underwhelming; it resembles a really good Life magazine photo-essay, but it lacks the éclat of photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson or Malick Sidibé. This narrative of Webb’s photos and their creation will engage primarily readers who are already interested in the medium and the message.
With observations on urbanism that are more inspiring than those in the late, peripatetic architect Michael Sorkin’s Twenty Minutes in Manhattan, this text benefits from monochromatic photographs and delicate, understated, textural pencil sketches, which will inspire design students to express their ideas more abstractly. For all architecture libraries.
PREMIUM
Chanel Eternal Instant
Given the price of this book, and its narrow focus, this title is recommended primarily for watch aficionados and collectors.
This volume does not focus on Chanel’s biography or her collaboration with the Nazi regime in wartime; for that, see Hal Vaughan’s Sleeping with the Enemy and other biographies of the designer. Rather, it spotlights Chanel’s creations and how she marketed her style and created a brand. This excellent volume is recommended for readers interested in fashion history and French fashion in general.
PREMIUM
Luchita Hurtado
An informative and intimate introduction to the artist. Readers should also seek out Luchita Hurtado: I Live I Die I Will Be Reborn, a catalogue of a retrospective exhibition organized by the Serpentine Galleries in 2019.
While some may disagree with the author’s assumption about audience appreciation of Frankenthaler’s oeuvre, this book will appeal to those interested in the developmental years of a 1950s artist, and her creative process.
PREMIUM
The Rose in Fashion: Ravishing
This richly illustrated book contains fascinating specialized information. Recommended for readers interested in the cultural history of flowers as well as a singular slice of fashion history.
An archetype of the “public intellectual” bearing enormous, transformative importance, thoroughly considered in word and image.
This volume presents an engaging concept that should appeal to readers interested both in portrait photography and in the lives of artists. For some, a high-level browse will be all they need. For others, this title will only whet their appetite. They’ll need to go elsewhere to pursue the topic in greater depth.
Dasal takes all the best and most interesting parts of art history and puts them into a fun, easy read. This is perfect for art history beginners and experts alike.
With this engrossing biography, readers will come away with a greater appreciation of Avedon’s artistic strengths and achievements, as well as the complex man behind the camera.
PREMIUM
About Time: Fashion and Duration
For readers interested in new interpretations of the history of fashion.
PREMIUM
Grayson Perry
Perry is a singular artist with an unusual perspective of the world around him. This updated edition of a 2009 volume is a very thorough study of one particular artist but it may have a limited audience.
PREMIUM
Degas at the Opera
For lovers of the theatrical world of 19th-century Paris and Degas as its most important artistic documentarian, this catalog serves as an important resource.
PREMIUM
Kara Walker: Hyundai Commission
With color in-process images as well as photos of the final installation, and essays by novelist Zadie Smith and Tate curator Clara Kim, this title is recommended for readers interested in art that explores issues of race, slavery, and history.
PREMIUM
Albrecht Dürer
Both exhibition catalog and academic endeavor, this will be enjoyed by scholars and Dürer aficionados alike.
Scholarly in tone and ambitious in scope, this book is recommended to readers interested in the fashion and history of the World War II period.
Written in a warm and inviting tone that is both inspirational and aspirational, this is an excellent introduction for artists of all levels to the rewarding medium of watercolor.
Intriguing interpretations of Evans’s photos and work process, for both specialists and general readers.
PREMIUM
Photo/Brut
Since photo-based work is often not emphasized in the history of art brut, this is a must-view for fans and scholars of the genre. The collection also provides a new lens with which to view the field of photography.
This title will engage readers of costume scholarship as well as historians focused on the turn of the century. There is much to learn from the well-researched text, and the book is easy to browse for its rich images that exemplify the time period.
PREMIUM
Ballerina: Fashion’s Modern Muse
As much a history of ballet as an exploration of the connections between ballerinas and fashion, this is recommended for readers interested in the crossover of both subjects.
PREMIUM
Sean Godsell: Houses
With no other title on the architect in print, this volume will inspire students appreciative of Godsell’s eclectic, cross-fertilized minimalism and is therefore essential for all collections that support design curricula.
An important contribution to a re-imagining of American history, this book of black-and-white photographs will appeal to art lovers, history buffs, and social activists. Essays from curators, writers, and artists provide further insight into this inspired collection.
PREMIUM
Horace Pippin, American Modern
This comprehensive study of Pippin absorbs previous scholarship but is perhaps the most thorough and inclusive analysis of a luminary and true original, briefly at center stage.
Former governor Jerry Brown’s foreword sets the tone for this body of work, which expresses tragic loss coupled with inspiration and fresh perspectives for the future. Beautifully designed and amply illustrated, this accessible catalog will be welcomed by art enthusiasts beyond California’s borders.
An excellent introduction both to the work of a fine cultural critic and to the creative figures discussed.
PREMIUM
Bestowing Beauty: Masterpieces from Persian Lands—Selections from the Hossein Afshar Collection
Art lovers and scholars alike will delight in this visually and intellectually stimulating collection of Persian art.
This title will reintroduce Halpert, who was well known in her time, to readers. A good accompaniment to Lindsay Pollock’s The Girl with the Gallery: Edith Gregor Halpert and the Making of the Modern Art Gallery.
PREMIUM
James Tissot
With beautiful color plates, a detailed chronology of Tissot’s life, and short, accessible essays, this is recommended for general readers interested in 19th–century painting, as well as the specialist looking for new and more detailed information on the artist.
PREMIUM
Warhol
Certainly for those fascinated with Warhol, but equally for those seeking an in-depth yet accessible introduction to the artist. [See Prepub Alert, 10/14/19.]
PREMIUM
Broken Glass: Mies van der Rohe, Edith Farnsworth, and the Fight over a Modernist Masterpiece
Scandalous romantic liaisons involving powerful architects are legendary (e...
With beautiful images of clothing, fashion plates, prints, and paintings, this is recommended for readers interested in the fashion and material culture of this period.
A portrait artist who never painted her own portrait now has one in the words of her biographer. This is a treat for anyone interested in women in the arts, the social and cultural history of the late 19th–early 20th century, and the researcher’s role in recording these.
For Kahlo fans, not scholars. Devotees may wrestle with the author’s in-depth analysis while appreciating its informal voice. Though there are some updated facts provided since Herrera’s biography, the latter is more scholarly and better organized. Readers here can expect a more casual if not meandering narrative of Kahlo’s own adventurous sojourn to “Gringolandia” and back.
PREMIUM
Postures: Body Language in Art
Edifying and full of appreciation, analysis, and insight into human gestures as art. Of interest to art students, scholars, and historians, as well as engaged general readers.
PREMIUM
Gauguin: Portraits
Written in a straightforward style, this book is not only a fine complement to the exhibition for visitors, but also for art historians, art history students, and engaged general readers.
This excellent book, with its many wonderful color illustrations, is recommended for fashion lovers and those interested in the cultural history of fashion.
PREMIUM
The Gauguin Atlas
Both readable and well illustrated, this is for all who delight in biographies, whether art history buffs or general readers.
For casual observers analyzing these works against other religious denominations and their related art, this comprehensive analysis of a modern take on Islamic art will be an appreciated resource. It is also well suited to art scholars and enthusiasts.
PREMIUM
Great Women Artists
Shedding light on many influential female artists, some of whom have been overlooked in other art literature, this beautiful book is an excellent choice for those interested in expanding their knowledge and discovering “overlooked and undervalued” women in the art world.
PREMIUM
Among Others: Blackness at MoMA
Fans, students, and scholars of art, art history, museum studies, and black studies will learn something new from this important text.Höfer, Candida
A visual documentary and an insider’s perspective of the civil rights movement, and a timely glimpse into the modern history of racial injustice in America.
PREMIUM
Libraries: Candida Höfer
A compelling aesthetic project that will appeal to bibliophiles and photography and architecture fans.
This scholarly work brings a sociologist’s perspective and rigorous methodology to survey the process of artistic legitimation. Recommended for scholars as well as general readers interested in the topic from an academic viewpoint.
This comprehensive look at one particular Basquiat work also offers an engaging take on a tragic event and the art community’s strong response.
Roberts’s wide-ranging historical research and storytelling skills should captivate New Yorkers and others. Larger photographs might have enhanced readers’ connection to these structures and their roles in the life of the city.
This surprisingly engaging treatment of Michelangelo’s later, but no less influential work, will appeal to readers seeking a more personal insight into the man.
PREMIUM
The Pre-Raphaelites
Art historians, students, and art enthusiasts will find this volume enlightening; however, cost will be a consideration.
Art enthusiasts interested in postmodernism and women’s studies will delight in this consciousness-raising tribute to a watershed work.
Of interest to both educators and architects, this timely look at how millennials are influencing architecture is also a call for harnessing the generation’s ability to transform the industry.
Of considerable interest to art lovers, scholars, moon gazers, and others, this publication will both delight and educate. Recommended for large public and academic visual arts collections.
PREMIUM
White Houses
A more substantive introductory essay outlining antecedents—such as Farnsworth, Tugendhat, and Lovell Health Houses
While the gauzy classrooms look antiquarian enough to seem anachronistic, present-day realities of American education intrude into any viewing and will encourage individual responses from readers. A fascinating side window into a tragic history, still in progress.
Whether consumed chronologically or browsed, this is an enjoyable snapshot of a brief but important period of Bowie’s career. More than suitable for coffee tables and an essential addition to rock music photography collections.
With 260 drawings, chapters covering “The Line of Matisse or a Doodling Child?,” “Signs of the Hard Times,” “The Thurber Dog and Other Creatures,” a chronology of solo and group exhibitions, and exhaustive back matter, this volume is worthy of readers’ holy shelf and invaluable to Thurberites everywhere.
PREMIUM
Supreme Glamour
The facts here will not be new to fans, but the candid photographs provide a rich visual record of the stars’ life as performers. To see the gowns alongside Wilson’s down-to-earth accounts of what it felt like to wear them will be fun for enthusiasts of 1960s pop culture and the Supremes.
PREMIUM
William Morris’s Flowers
For fans of the arts and crafts movement and 19th-century design, this is a beautiful, informative, and affordable work highlighting Morris’s many floral motifs.
This work takes readers beyond The Scream and into Munch’s creative process and deeply felt emotions. Disturbing at times but always moving and a reminder of the human experience we all share.
A focused visual celebration of New Orleans’s tomb architecture targeting well-informed readers or duotone photography aficionados.
Readers of Betty Barnden’s The Crochet Stitch Bible will enjoy this book's new stitch offerings and excellent visual representations.
PREMIUM
Lincoln Kirstein’s Modern
An informative introduction to Kirstein’s generous, tempestuous relationship with MoMA, to be read alongside Martin Duberman’s biography The Worlds of Lincoln Kirstein.
Despite its omissions, this is a good choice for readers seeking to expand their knowledge of contemporary painting, and for those looking to augment their library with a beautiful addition.
Blending theory from art and anthropology, this erudite work is recommended primarily for readers with a solid academic background in 19th-century art history.
Whether readers have visited the Auschwitz museum or are experiencing it here for the first time, this comprehensive yet accessible work presents a sobering history. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries.
PREMIUM
Lee Krasner
With this work, a new generation of students, feminists, and art lovers will discover one of the first women to have a solo show at the Museum of Modern Art as well as better understand her relevance and appeal today. This should sit nicely next to earlier retrospective catalogs by Barbara Rose and Robert Carleton Hobbs.
A compendium of piquant art prose from a happy, hungry omnivore, and great for aesthetes of all kinds.
Of the many books published on surrealism, Roe’s has a breadth of coverage and vivacity of observation that make it special. Art lovers will find much to appreciate and ponder, and Francophiles will enjoy this distinctive “tour.”
This is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary art or textiles and beautiful documentation for those familiar with the artists. It’s also an excellent introduction to the diversity of the fiber art medium. The textured cover, however, while in keeping with the theme, could be a concern for libraries.
An informative, gorgeously illustrated history of a lesser-known art movement. Best suited for libraries that have strong art history collections.
PREMIUM
Anja Niemi: In Character
An excellent introduction to the intriguing work of a talented contemporary photographer.
Using collage, multiple exposure, mixed media, and making reference to art traditions classic and modern, Morell’s images are a delight for both fans of the genre and for those interested in how this singular contemporary artist pursues his craft.
Will appeal to students of Italian film and photography history, and to those who enjoy browsing black-and-white photographs that are both dramatic history and quite beautiful.
A solid addition to any library’s contemporary art collection. The combination of engaging images and detailed art history will hold value for students, professionals, or casual readers.
PREMIUM
Mexico, Masks & Rituals
Students of ethnography, dance, and even costume design or fashion will value this title. The intensely colorful images, aided by the attractive graphic design, will captivate photography enthusiasts.
While technique and scientific knowledge are clearly demonstrated, it is Gurche’s artwork that brings an extraordinary vision and emotional resonance that will both inform and move readers.
Will engage both serious students of the LGBT movement and those who appreciate simply browsing the photos, which are by turns fierce, joyful, spirited, determined, and celebratory.
Hinman observes the complex lives of her subjects with assurance in this accessible study that will appeal to readers interested in late 19th-century American architecture and sculpture, New York City, and LGBTQ history.
Scholarly yet readable essays for lovers of the Pre-Raphaelites as well as those who want to learn more about them; for scholars of British art, Victorian culture, and the history of science
A beautiful coffee table–style book that will appeal to art, animal, and cultural history enthusiasts; animal lovers, artists, poets, and term paper writers seeking inspiration will find enjoyment or their muse in this work
Recommended for readers with a basic knowledge of the subject but wish to know more; lovely color images and details of the artworks comprise this excellent overview of an important impressionist artist
High-quality images of Albers's weavings will interest fiber artists and historians alike; recommended for readers interested in 20th-century German art and women artists
For anyone who loves contemporary design and architectural masterpieces; a nexus of solid photography and exciting architecture reveals a popular avant-garde in its shining youth
A basic understanding of the artistic movements of the period is helpful but not required to enjoy this thoroughly illustrated and researched tome illuminating the formerly forgotten Latin American artists of 1920s and 1930s Paris.
PREMIUM
Vogue Essentials:
Thoughtfully juxtaposed layouts, brief, pithy descriptions, and a reasonable price make these little black books essential for those who desire a quick but quality look at fashion history.
PREMIUM
Tudor Fashion: Dress at Court
Well researched with exquisite images, this is a solid choice for people interested in the dress and cultural history of this period.
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