Customer Reviews

The Gentle Art of Making Enemies (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)

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James A. MnN. Whistler had many talents. His best-known, today, was his skill as a painter, exploring new uses for the medium once photography started to claim literal realism for itself. In his day, though, Whistler achieved some fame for his ability to irritate the art establishment of the time, and for his knack of keeping himself at the forefront of public awareness. This book documents those secondary skills.

Nearly all of the content reproduces series of letters to editors of major newspapers, arranged here by Whistler to ensure that he has the last word in each debate. It seems to be a lost art these days, but mighty battles were once waged in the letters columns, with volley after volley of thrust and counterthrust, all in correspondence that drips with elegant vitriol. One could almost see the borders of the news-sheet as the ropes around a boxing ring, with a editorial referee ensuring a clean fight and an entertaining public spectacle.

Although many critics attracted Whistler's public scorn, John Ruskin capped Whistler's career as enemy-maker. After Ruskin maligned one of Whistler's "Nocturnes" in public, Whistler sued him for libel. Whistler won the judgment. With typically British understatement, however, it chastised him as well: he was awarded an entire farthing in damages, a fraction of a cent, but was nearly bankrupted by court costs.

Whistler composed this collection largely as a tribute to the glory of Whistler, and that contributes to its enduring entertainment value. Artists from Benvenuto Cellini to the current day have autobiographically publicized themselves; self-publicity seems a required skill for any successful artist. Whistler's unique skill lay in garnering publicity through these refined and public matches of wit against acid wit. These don't just amuse, however, they also help modern readers realize the artistic and social context in which Whistler redefined what painting could be.

- wiredweird

I was terribly disappointed with this recently printed paperback. Not only is it a cheap reproduction, but there are insertions that say "illustration" and the spot is empty! Since this is an ART BOOK, and I bought it for a class, it created a very frustrating experience.Better no modern reproduction than one like this!

for a book with such a great title, this volume was a total letdown, and I didn't read all of it. life is too short! an egomaniac raving about people now forgotten, it's hard to relate. I suggest you pass over this one and read his nemesis, Wilde, or George Moore or. . . Theophile Gaultier, or Rachilde. . . or one of the real writers of the era. Honestly this is one of the most mortal tomes I've ever hefted. and the expiration date on this carton of eggs was a loooong time ago!