Mrs. Jack: A Biography of Isabella Stewart Gardner [Hardcover]

Louise Hall Tharp (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2003

A biography of Isabella Stewart Gardner of Boston in the 19th century. An American charmer and art collector, Isabella Stewart Gardner and her husband Jack kept company with the leading men of the day including Henry James, Henry Adams, John Singer Sargent and Whistler. The Stewart Gardners' Boston home, which was modelled after a Venetian

Product Details

• Hardcover: 408 pages
• Publisher: Isabella Stewart Gardiner (January 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0914660195
• ISBN-13: 978-0914660194
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #428,093 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Belle of the Fens, May 7, 2002

By 

Barbara L. Thomson (Falmouth, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mrs. Jack: A Biography of Isabella Stewart Gardner (Paperback)

If you are an art lover, live in the greater Boston area, or are planning on visiting soon, this book is a must-read. Not only was this one of the most fascinating women I have ever read about, but she and her husband together, moved in circles with the "shakers and movers" of their generation. All of the famous Bostonians you hear about in historical lore were a part of their lives. Henry L. Higginson, who started the BSO was married to Belle's college roommate. John Singer Sargeant, was one of her closest friends and painted her twice. They were related to the Lowell's the Peabody's and the list goes on. Her museum, in Boston, (Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum) is one of the treasures of the art world. Her taste so impeccable that her museum was chosen for one of the most famous art robberies in recent years. The book is so well written that all will enjoy "living in the past" with the "Belle of Boston" from start to finish!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Read this before you visit the museum...., June 11, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Mrs. Jack: A Biography of Isabella Stewart Gardner (Hardcover)

I wish I had known of this book *before* a recent visit to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. The museum building itself is breathtaking when you walk in. And then you move from room to room and see so many of the works referred to in this biographical account of her life, her artist friends, and her collection activities. Now so many of the pieces have interesting backstories--I must go back to the museum!
The biography itself is fairly straighforward, but paired with a visit to the museum is quite a worthwhile package.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic Biography, December 27, 2006

By 

P. Marino - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mrs. Jack: A Biography of Isabella Stewart Gardner (Hardcover)

Living in Boston I felt it was my duty to learn as much as I could about the infamous/famous Isabella Stewart Gardner. This book proved to be the perfect source. A detailed look not only into Isabella's art collection, but also her life, the author fills the pages with stories that bring to light how Isabella became so famous. Many a times, I found myself smiling at the passages that highlighted Isabella's quirks and personality traits.

After reading the book, I went to the Gardner Museum and found I could easily remember all the paintings mentioned in the book due to the fascinating stories behind them.

Reading this book is like stepping back in time and exploring life with Isabella herself. I highly recommend reading it