Hirschfeld On Line (Applause Books) (Hardcover)

~ Al Hirschfeld (Author) "In a career that spans the 20th century, Al Hirschfeld has drawn a panoply of performing artists, from Sacha Guitry in 1926 to the star..." (more)
Key Phrases: later hors, New York, Brooks Atkinson, York City (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Al Hirschfeld is one of the greatest caricaturists ever to have put pen to paper, and this monumental retrospective is a testament to his genius. From '30s icons like actors Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontaine to the stars of Seinfeld, Hirschfeld's fluid line has limned some of the most enduring images of our favorite entertainers. The collection opens with a biographical essay by New York Times writer Mel Gussow that sketches the arc of Hirschfeld's career and the development of his reputation as a chronicler of American show business. Additional essays by Arthur Miller, Kurt Vonnegut, Whoopi Goldberg, and Hirschfeld's daughter Nina cast further light on the artist, but the bulk of the book is, of course, given over to his wonderful drawings. Hirschfeld has written that it is his aim to capture character, rather than caricature, and each of the hundreds of images reproduced here encapsulates its subject perfectly, without ever resorting to cruelty. After more than six decades, Hirschfeld has recorded the careers of generations of performers, and this collection further illuminates his work by including comments on each drawing by the artist himself, providing a delightful personal history of Broadway, Hollywood, and all points in between. --Simon Leake

From Library Journal

Broadway and Al Hirschfeld are as inextricably linked as Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, the Marx Brothers, or Stella and Stanley Kowalski?a Hirschfeld drawing elevates both artist and image to the status of cultural icon. The 500-plus drawings, paintings, and photographs selected for this celebratory jewel span Hirschfeld's 70-year (and counting) career and are a moveable feast of art and theater history. In addition to laudatory tributes by Mel Gussow, Arthur Miller, the one-and-only Nina, and others, Hirschfeld himself provides delightful insight and commentary on most of the drawings, dishing up annecdotes, quips, and bon mots that would have made best friend S.J. Perelman proud. Regretfully, a 32-page section of full-color photographs was not available for review. For anyone who cares a whit for the theater, has ever perused the theater pages of the New York Times, or assiduously tried to find each and every hidden "Nina," this treasure chest of Broadway booty is an unmitigated joy.?Barry X. Miller, Austin Public Lib., TX
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 346 pages
• Publisher: Applause Books; illustrated edition edition (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557833567
• ISBN-13: 978-1557833563
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #208,290 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Nina", January 14, 2000

By	Kristal (Southern California) - See all my reviews

I really enjoyed looking through this book. I am absolutely in love with theater and I love seeing how he depicts all of my favorite shows and actors. He's been through the "Golden Age" of theater and has also done so much work for modern entertainment. I also have tons of fun looking for all the hidden "Nina"s. Just in case you might not know what I'm talking about, let me explain. After his daughter was born, Hirschfield began hiding her name in his drawings. The number by his "signiture" indicates the number of "Nina"s in the drawing. "Nina" is also written all in caps. Because of this, this book is not going to be just some ordinary coffee table book that only his fans might check out. It could also be a great deal of amusement for those who like to play the kind of "Where's Waldo" games.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's All Here..., June 29, 2004

By	Danielle Bennignus - See all my reviews

Here is the indispensible Hirschfeld book - a must for any fan of his work, or of line in general. From his earliest pieces, all the way through his long career with New York theatre, his work is showcased - and done so through his eyes. Each piece is described by this great artist - his inspirations, methods, and thoughts. I cannot imagine a better way to present his wonderful drawings, and I am so very, very thankful that this collection was printed before his death. Although, yes, the work would show just as beautifully without, his commentary alongside each piece just opens up an entirely new viewpoint. This is a truly timeless book, and I highly recommend it.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful! What a GIFT this man has!, February 26, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews

Mr. Hirschfield comes up with more creative ideas in one day than most artists come up with in a year+. The history of his life and career is thoroughly enjoyable.