Customer Reviews

Edvard Munch: The Complete Graphic Works

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This is sure to become the definitive collection of Munch's graphic work. The plates are beautifully and accurately done (I've seen many of the original prints), and, as the title says, the collection is comprehensive - something which the non-enthusiast probably won't require (multiple prints from the same etching are included, along with all of Munch's later work, post nervous breakdown, that I personally find less appealing). Nevertheless, if you're serious about studying Munch, and money is not a concern, this is a tremendous resource.

If you are passionate about Munch's art, you'll enjoy this immensely. If you deal professionally in fine prints, this will be a substantial addition to your working library. For all others, it's too much and not enough.

This remarkable book is a complete catalog of prints from a very prolific printmaker - over 700 of them, from a career spanning 50 years. Each one is reproduced, B&W or color, in readily recognizable form. When significantly different states or inkings are known, each variation is shown. Thorough notes accompany each, not just medium, size, and date, but information about where it was printed and displayed, and sometimes even about the plate, block, or stone from which it was printed. Indexing, notes, and supporting material are meticulous. This volume certainly meets its goal: to represent Munch's total output of prints, to the extent that very fine scholarship possibly can.

This is just a catalog, though. The author has intentionally witheld commentary, referring readers to the large literature that already analyzes Munch's work. Reproductions are always printed well, and large enough to be easily recognized. Very few are full sized or even page sized - despite its large format, this isn't a coffee table book of the usual kind. Anyone but a serious fan will find it repetitive and disappointing as a "picture book."

//wiredweird

I never cared for Munch until I saw the woodblock prints in this book.
They are brilliant and edgie. This man is the father of grunge.
This book has the best collection of Munch's woodcuts by far.
It is a tragedy that the book is so rare it has become unaffordable for
artists who would benefit the most from seeing it.
I really hope that someone (with sensibility) will put together another
epic anthology of his woodblock prints.
If the price of this book wipes out your book budget for the next 3 years,
I would still recommend it.