Customer Reviews

Engravings by Hogarth (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)

5 star:		(3)
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3 star:		(1)
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The large size of the pages (11X14)allows the reader to appreciate the quality and detail of Hogarth's work. Beyond the artistic merit of the engravings, I have found them to be of great value in understanding England of the 1700's. As it is said, "a picture is worth a thousand words". This is especially true with Hogarth, who was as much a humorist and social commentator as he was an artist. Sean Shesgreen provides the (absolutely) necessary background and explanitory information to understand the pictures.

Hogarth is the best. His rich images of the moral underbelly of London are as resonant today as they ever were. The level of draftsmanship is high. The many symbolic details are superb. The plotlines combine moral outrage with lurid vouyerism with smirking satire - Bret Easton Ellis should have spent forty years as a Hogarth scholar before attempting to write his first book. This edition is cheap and large, with commentary that is a pleasure to read. I recommend it to anyone.

All hail the Dover Thrift!

Sean Shesgren's notes for this edition are excellent. While reading Jenny Uglow is necessary for those wanting great depth on Hogarth, Shesgren offers historical context, allegorical notes, and a biographical placement. On top of that, the Dover folks continue to give a good printing, good binding, and fabulous prints, in folio, for a great price.

Whether you know Hogarth from a hog or not, this is a book to own.

Have been trying to find this wonderful book for three years and finally purchased it, used, from Amazon. The book probably started its shipping route in good condition, but since it was packaged only in a flimsy envelope with no cardboard protection, it arrive smashed and bent almost in half. I am unable to open it and turn pages without creating more rips. Am I now stuck with this mess? Obviously, the shipper is at fault here. Please respond. Thank you.