John Piper, Myfanwy Piper: Lives in Art [Hardcover]

Frances Spalding (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 18, 2009 | ISBN-10: 0199567611 | ISBN-13: 978-0199567614 | Edition: 1

Art historian Frances Spalding here provides an exuberant and richly illustrated dual biography of John Piper--one of the best loved and capacious English artists--and his wife the librettist Myfanwy Piper, collaborator with Benjamin Britten. Together they stood at the heart of the English cultural landscape of the mid-20th century. Drawing on substantial original research, including many interviews with those who had either known or worked with the Pipers, Spalding's biography sheds new light on the story of British art in the 1930s. In the middle of this decade, the Pipers were at the forefront of avant-garde activities in England, with Myfanwy editing the most advanced art magazine of the day and John working alongside Ben Nicholson, Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, and others. The book contains 80 color and 80 black-and-white plates, and also presents a wealth of information on the major commissions of John Piper's lengthy career as well as his work in print-making, stained glass, illustration, theatre design, and fireworks. And it illuminates Myfanwy Piper's collaborations with the composers Benjamin Britten and Alun Hoddinott, and her role as Betjeman's muse.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Spalding's approach, sifting through and collating a vast quantity of material, has produced a valuable and deeply researched account of the Piper's life together... Ruth Guilding, Times Literary Supplement Frances Spalding recounts the histories of John and Myfanwy Piper, a couple at the centre of post-war art. Michael Prodger, Sunday Telegraph A remarkable achievement and ... an invaluable source book for Piper Enthusiasts for years to come. Andrew Lambirth, The Art Newspaper Commendably thorough. William Feaver, London Review of Books A valuable and deeply researched account of the piper's life together. Ruth Guilding, Times Literary Supplement Impeccably researched. Serena Davies, Daily Telegraph There are riches on offer beginning with Frances Spalding's substantial double biography. Sunday Times, 29.11.09 She has triumphantly knitted together all the multifarious Piper aspects. Roderic Dunnett, The Independent Brims over with insights and revelations. Times Higher Education, Timothy Mowl This timely book engenders optimism. Timothy Mowl, Times Higher Education Engrossing and scholarly study. Timothy Mowl, Times Higher Education Handsomely produced...Spalding's unrivalled knowledge of the Pipers' world captures the issues clearly, sharply. Michael White, The Tablet Excellent and expert biography...touches of judicious speculation and clear-sighted glosses. Spalding...presents us with fascinating and gripping biographical material, but also offers us vivid images of a now vanished England. Val Hennessy, Daily Mail Frances Spalding's copious and erudite biography of John and his art critic wife, Myfanwy, describes his art with considerable authority. Serena Davies, Sunday Telegraph A well-executed and meticulously researched work. Oxford University Press is to be congratulated on publishing this work on the scale the Pipers deserved. Bevis Hillier, The Spectator A fair verdict would be:..."this could not have been done better". Bevis Hillier, The Spectator Spalding comprehensively (but never tediously) covers his work in all its staggering versatility. Bevis Hillier, The Spectator Magnificent... Just occasionally, one comes across a book of which one can say, "This could not have been done better." Spalding's book is in that rare class. Bevis Hillier, The Spectator

About the Author

Frances Spalding is Professor of Art History at Newcastle University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 1 edition (October 18, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199567611
• ISBN-13: 978-0199567614
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.6 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.9 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,875,704 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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