Customer Reviews

Alphonse Mucha: The Complete Graphic Works

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book was first released in 1980 by Harmony Books and the quality of the illustrations here is superior to the later Random House Value Publishing release.

Red cloth over boards with gold print in a sewn binding; issued with dustjacket. 192 pp, 2.5 pounds. 163 color plates. After the images there is a 42 page catalogue raisonne which is certainly not as detailed as a catalogue raisonne found from an academic publisher, but which offers much helpful information.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
"Women and Flowers," The Life and Work of Alphonse Mucha

The Colour Plates
- Panneaux
- Posters
- Calendars
- Books
- Periodicals
- Miscellaneous Graphics and Postcards

Illustrations for Books and Periodicals

Catalogue
Addenda to the Catalogue
Selected Bibliography
Index to the Graphic Works

Art lovers around the world recall with delight Mucha's wonderful portraits of Sarah Bernhardt. Mucha single-handedly revolutionized French poster art at the turn of the century with art nouveau advertisements for Moet & Chandon, Job, Nestle's, Benedictine brandy and "the flower of the nineties"; Monaco Monte-Carlo.

Mucha's work was an inspiration to architects and designers who adapted his style of sinuous flowers and plant motifs for designing buildings and furniture. Mucha's harmonious designs, sensitive colors and superb draughtmanship have earned him the reputation as one of the outstanding and influencial graphic artists of Europe.

This stunning and colorful book is the most accurate record of Mucha's work available. Included are 163 full-color plates, some appearing here for the first time since their original publication. A complete catalogue section contains 525 detailed and illustrated entries and an extensive bibliography of books, periodicals and exhibition catalogues.

Marina Henderson's introduction, "Women and Flowers," and Dr. Anna Dvorak's epilogue, "Illustrations for Books and Periodicals," describe with insight Mucha's life, his achievements and his philosophy.
--- from book's back cover

Not much to say about this book... I needed a few large Mucha prints and in that respect this book served it's purpose.
Not even close to a full collection but definitely beautiful.

Keep in mind, this is a book of his works... not much else in terms of content and history.

got this book for my B-Day...overall the book is ok,
reproductions are a bit "washed out", "pale", "dull"...
I expected them to be brighter. probably the book is
good for a price (paid $36 for gently used one),
but I'd price it for $15-$20! may be the new one look better,
but I doubt it, so I definetly wouldn't spend over $200 for new book!