Customer Reviews

The Horn Island Logs of Walter Inglis Anderson (Mississippi Art Series)

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

 

 

I have been interested in Walter Inglis Anderson since I first saw some of his stunning watercolors and woodcuts. This book allows the reader to see the world through his eyes and to experience with him the wonders of nature. It records the time he spent living, sans shelter other than his overturned rowboat, on Horn Island, an island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Anyone who loves Anderson's work (and if you've not seen it, you should) will love this chance to delve into his philosophies and insights as he tries to capture the world around him perfectly through pen, ink, and watercolor.

Walter Anderson was an extremely unique and interesting fellow. After hearing about him, I wanted to see some of his paintings and read more about him. The book has many color plates which will give you more than a feel for his style. The introductory chapter provides a nice biography and is in large measure an essay on his artistic style and philosophy, as viewed by Redding Sugg, jr. The bulk of the book, (pages 38 to 236)are transcribed log entries by the artist himself. I am glad that what was included was included, but after about the 100th page of "today I saw a duck. A boat went by. I drew a Pelican. The wind was blowing.....", it gets a bit boring. Still, I wanted to learn about this guy and I feel that, having read the book, I have done so.

The Horn Island Logs of Walter Inglis Anderson is an incredible account of the day-to-day experiences of eccentric Ocean Springs, MS artist, Walter Anderson. This book is especially meaningful and wonderful to read if you've ever been to Ocean Springs, Shearwater Pottery, and the Walter Anderson Museum either before or after Katrina. This is a beautifull, personal journal of Anderson and his encounters with nature, weather, and the creatures of Horn Island and points in between.
Filled with lyrical drawings.

As a frequent wilderness camper to Horn Island I particularly enjoyed this book. It was a delight to read Anderson's record of the abundant wildlife and flora that flourished on Horn over a half century ago. He was a fortunate man to have experienced Horn at that time for much has now changed. This book revealed much about Anderson; his intellect, his wit and humor, and, of course, his incomparable eccentricities. This book is not one to be read in one sitting. Although new insights are offered about the man and his personality throughout the book, the accounts of his daily activities may become a bit tedious to some readers.