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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Max Ernst incomplete but brillantly presented book,
This review is from: Max Ernst: Life and Work (Hardcover)
Max Ernst Life and Times is a different kind of biography. After reading Calvin Tomkins'
Duchamp and Off the Wall - a portrait of Robert Rauschenberg, I had come to believe the biography of artist were the same. Neil Baldwin's, Man Ray - American Artist further reinforced this notion. However, Werner Spies book is a path not often taken. I suspect that the background of the authors, journalistic versus artistic has much to do with this difference. Firstly, the book is beautiful in its glossy white high weight paper. The color plates are stunning (something lacking in Tomkins' books - again background differences). What I found disconcerting was who the text presented M.E. in an `at arms length' perspective. The text is mainly letters and notes, some M.E. autobiographical entries strangely done in the 3rd person. Tomkins amerces you in the artist life and you feel an identity with situations and people. Spies' transcribs letter after letter (for some reason all shown in the book) to and from M.E. End result is a fragmented picture (surreal?) and not wholly fulfilling. Now if Spies' format and Tomkins journalism got together.... Would I purchase this book again? Yes, but for the format and brilliant graphics. I will have to look elsewhere to read about Max Ernst. |
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Max Ernst: Life and Work by Max Ernst (Hardcover - May 15, 2006)
Used & New from: $50.00
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