Bookreporter.com - WHAT TO GIVE, WHAT TO GET 2001

Categories

Hip Fiction

America the Beautiful

Style/Beauty

The Dirty Parts

Nonfiction

Art

Biography

Entertaining

Great Gifts for Kids

Music

Teens

Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Small Gift Books

Sports

Main Page

WHAT TO GIVE, WHAT TO GET 2001: Begin Your Holiday Shopping With Us ART
SARAH BAN BREATHNACH'S MRS. SHARP'S TRADITIONS: Reviving Victorian Family Celebrations Of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach Scribner ISBN: 074321076X Around this time of year it's natural for people to give more thought to home and family, as moms and dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins come together to celebrate the holidays. During this season, more than any other, there's an importance placed on family traditions --- special recipes passed down from mother to daughter, a favorite story to read aloud by the fire, sharing the excitement of decorating the tree... But Sarah Ban Breathnach feels these traditions shouldn't be exclusive to the Christmas season; they should be an important part of our everyday lives all year long. MRS. SHARP'S TRADITIONS is the refurbishing of a previous work created by Ms. Breathnach, with some attention to the differing lifestyles of women that have evolved since that time. And just as her SIMPLE ABUNDANCE was noteworthy for it's straightforward approach to coping with the complexities of life, MRS. SHARP dispenses wisdom with the unabashed confidence that this is not brain surgery --- any of us can create a happy, nurturing home environment. The first several chapters deal with "The Art of Domestic Bliss" and contain a good deal of her personal philosophy on dealing with common issues like bedtime rituals, birthday celebrations, and what she refers to as "crisscross" days, a delightfully Victorian term. Yet these charming narratives contain a logic that most mothers have already learned, but often forget. "Their little antennae pick up loud and clear the signals that we're not really there for them. They then become determined to get our attention, one way or another." And there you have it, a crisscross day. The balance of Breathnach's book is divided into monthly chapters with family oriented activities pertaining to that particular time of year. January days are a time for parlor games, February for crafting Victorian-style valentines, April showers bring out the "rainy day cupboard" (a box full of items for creative play and design) and July has tips for packing that all important car-trip bag of entertainments. As Mrs. Sharp works her way around the calendar, there are obviously some of her suggestions that would need a bit of adaptation for your particular part of the country or circumstance. Not everyone has winter snows or fields of berries nearby. Many of us are far from any beach with sea shell treasures to gather, but there are plenty of other inventive ideas and worldly advice to weave into your daily routine. Of course, taken literally, MRS. SHARP'S TRADITIONS are a touch saccharine and at times highly impractical unless you actually live a Victorian existence already. That's hardly the point. This beautiful volume contains a singular message presented in a multitude of literary passages --- quality time spent with your family is the most important gift you can give them, and it will spawn memories that will carry those traditions forward to the next generation. Breathnach's book is also packed with bits of American folklore like the origins of Uncle Sam and detailed histories of events like April Fools' Day, Halloween, and Passover. Poems, quotations, and recipes are sprinkled among the luscious Victorian illustrations that grace every page. And for your enjoyment this holiday season, tucked away in December's pages is that time-honored poem that has been shared by generations of parents and children the world over: "A Visit From St. Nicholas" --- better known as "The Night Before Christmas." --- Reviewed by Ann Bruns (BkPageWC@aol.com) Back to top.
STILL LIFE: Irving Penn Photographs, 1938-2000 by Irving Penn Introduction by John Szarkowski Bulfinch Press ISBN: 0821227025 One of the first challenges any art student is confronted with is the routine still life: flowers, fruit, vases, objects of everyday life. There seems to be a prevalent philosophy that this format serves as a basic starting point for tapping into your yet-to-be developed artistic potential or, likewise, discovering you haven't any. As a result, still lifes often receive a big yawn of enthusiasm as just another bunch of fruit, lacking a unique perspective and style. Of course, this is the same unenlightened thought process that buys a piece of art because it matches the couch. At the age of 84, Irving Penn is resounding proof that the art form of the still life pulsates with a personality all it's own. Since the early 1940s, Penn has been a premier photographer for Vogue Magazine in New York. John Szarkowski credits him with breaking new ground in the fashion magazine industry with his remarkable portraiture and still life work that began the movement away from the more stylized, fussy cover art of his European peers. One glance at a work by Irving Penn speaks volumes for the decidedly unique, innovative levels that a still life in any medium can obtain. There is an emotion that emanates from his compositions that defines as much about the viewer as the artist. Penn's personal involvement with the subject may not always be easily apparent to his audience, but one thing is certain --- you never walk away from his photographic editorials unaffected. From the beauty of a flaming red poppy to the sordid arrays of "found trash" in magnified focus, there's a simplicity of form and light that strikes a chord. In STILL LIFE, Penn's work shows the wide range of subject matter, both personal and commercial, that he has incorporated into his photography over the years. Foods and fashion are prevalent, as are his infamous cigarette butts and skulls. The glittering floorscape of female paraphernalia in The Spilled Handbag (Theatre Accident) appeared in Vogue in May of 1947 and is one of my favorites. The light reflecting from the metallic cloth purse and the mystique of its assorted contents --- compact, jewelry, pill box, whistle, key --- is contrasted by the shiny black pump of the theatergoer striding into view. Penn ignites the imagination as to the owner's identity, while capturing the elegance of the seemingly common event. Likewise, the purity of Doorbell, a photograph taken in Paris, 1965, intrigues the viewer with who lives beyond the door and what inspired Penn to focus in on the unremarkable button and it's chipped-paint surroundings. The vivid colors and shapes of Frozen Foods with String Beans, found on the cover of Penn's collection, are delightfully amusing yet instill a respect for his magnificent sense of physical and aesthetic balance. And like the child who creates images from clouds, Penn's Head-Shaped Paper Object Floating in a Gutter does indeed resemble a Homo sapien silhouette if you step away from the literal and allow yourself to see what the artist sees. In fact, that's the secret to appreciating this impressive overview of Irving Penn's body of work --- understanding what the artistic eye has seen and captured with his lens for eternity. STILL LIFE is a fascinating collection that is bound to give some photography lover on your shopping list a season full of enjoyment. --- Reviewed by Ann Bruns (BkPageWC@aol.com) Back to top.
GREAT HOUSES OF THE HUDSON RIVER Edited by Michael Middleton Dwyer Bulfinch Press ISBN: 082122767X When we think of the palatial homes of eras gone by, the ones that usually come to mind are likely to be Thomas Jefferson's elegant Monticello in Virginia or the opulent Hearst mansion in California. Yet one of the most beautiful regions of our country is home to scores of stately houses that provide a time line of architectural and historical progression from America's fledgling colonial existence to the proud country we are today. Throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries the peaceful solitude of the Hudson River Valley was a favorite retreat for Presidents as well as the financial movers and shakers of their day. The Livingstons, the Roosevelts, the Rockefellers, and the Vanderbilts all resided along the banks of the picturesque river where artists and writers congregated as well. Some early residents built homes on the fertile acreage they farmed, others built vacation places to escape the daily stresses of business or politics. Whatever their reasons for being, these estates formed a magnificent community that spanned the Hudson River Valley from the fringes of New York northward to the city of Albany. Several of the estates remain intact, their exteriors preserved just as they were in their heyday, their interiors filled with original furnishings. GREAT HOUSES OF THE HUDSON RIVER provides a beautifully illustrated tour through the histories of their occupants and the construction of the homes themselves. The diversity of styles reflects the architectural influences of the various periods as well as the personal tastes of the owners for whom they were built. The oldest surviving house, a simple stone and wood structure, served as home to a gentleman farmer and stands in contrast to the ornate classical mansion of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., with it's lavish interiors and expansive landscapes. Other homes include Franklin Roosevelt's charming Dutch colonial retreat, Top Cottage, and the colossal Lyndhurst villa, designed by the famous architect Alexander J. Davis, with it's many gothic turrets rising to the sky. Sadly, many other early historical residences are gone, or overrun by urban sprawl, a condition that the preservationists are working hard to contain. In 1951, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., founded the Historic Hudson Valley organization to maintain what remained of these noble examples of architectural innovation as well as preserve the cultural autonomy of the valley. It is with loving dedication that GREAT HOUSES OF THE HUDSON RIVER seeks to broaden our knowledge of this important piece of American heritage. From Washington Irving's cozy cottage to Frederick Church's mystical Olana to the Vanderbilt's ostentatious manor, the stately beauty of these manmade landmarks and the wealth of stories they have to tell makes GREAT HOUSES OF THE HUDSON RIVER the perfect choice to give someone on your list this holiday season. --- Reviewed by Ann Bruns (BkPageWC@aol.com) Back to top.
LIGHT FROM WITHIN: Photojournals by Linda McCartney Bulfinch Press ISBN: 0821224867 From a nostalgic point of view, there are many reasons that LIGHT FROM WITHIN will be on someone's wish list this year. The McCartney mystique transcended the glory days of the Beatles phenomena to the point that the McCartney's professional and personal lives became a symbol of the good that came out of that era. They remained a vital force in music, something that's difficult to achieve when you separate from a successful identity. And, of course, Linda's heroic struggle with breast cancer, which brought this gentle woman another sort of world wide fame. Her photography was a lifelong love affair with the camera and the magical compositions that she viewed with a practiced eye. LIGHT FROM WITHIN is a collection of images representing her visions of humanity as a whole, her feelings about family and friends, and her compassion for the injustices in the world. If you're not a '60s child, there will be faces that you won't recognize among the portraitures depicted, but a handy reference in the back will identify them for you. Those of you who did grow up in that time will recognize many of the McCartneys' musical peers --- a camera-shy Pete Townshend, an anguished Janis Joplin, and the song duo of Simon and Garfunkel in a "discussion" during a recording session. There are other celebrity faces as well: a pensive Warren Beatty, perhaps mulling over an upcoming scene and how to play it; the ever-imposing Burt Lancaster relaxing by the pool; a young Tracy Ullman against a backdrop of a somewhat bizarre, costumed crowd. One of my favorites is a candid group shot of the paparazzi poised in frenetic stance to get a celebrity shot of the McCartneys --- a whimsical "gotcha back" that their bemused expressions readily acknowledge. Another favorite is a family photo of the children playing in the farmyard that graces the front and back of the book jacket. Paul, balanced precariously on a fence, calls out to their son in an imagined parental warning as little James launches himself off the hood of the family vehicle. There are charming shots of ordinary people as well --- a group of school children, a huddle of old men, a band of gypsies --- that exhibit warmth, humor, and a passion for living. And there are the poignant images of fragile souls caught in a moment of pain yet somehow reflecting that strength of spirit that Linda McCartney, herself, possessed. An old expression comes to mind that goes something like: the camera is an eye into the soul. LIGHT FROM WITHIN is both a revealing glimpse into the souls of those Linda McCartney photographed and an outpouring of her own soul into the images that were caught with her camera lens over an all-too-short lifetime. For the baby-boomer generation, and any other, LIGHT FROM WITHIN is a remarkable journey that would make a lovely holiday gift for that special someone. --- Reviewed by Ann Bruns (BkPageWC@aol.com) Back to top.
THE VICTORIAN VISION Edited by John M. MacKenzie Harry N. Abrams ISBN: 0810965798 "The world of the Victorians relates to our world far more than most people imagine. Many of our modern-day ideas about holidays, sexuality, entertainment, sport, leisure, science and technology are Victorian in origin." --- Paul Atterbury, exhibition curator, The Victoria and Albert Museum Over 100 years ago, the reign of Queen Victoria of England came to an end. While many would view that era as just another dusty volume in the archives of ancient history, the essence of the Victorian period is in the legacy of modern ideas and innovations that ushered in a new world. Prior to that time, society had remained fairly stagnant since the 18th century. The exhibition held this summer at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London presented a collection of the arts that represented many aspects of Victorian life and the creative changes that launched Britain, and the world as a whole, on the path toward the 20th century. THE VICTORIAN VISION is divided into three major sections: "Society," "Technology," and "The World." The first covers a broad spectrum, from the expansive collection of art that Victoria and Albert accumulated to shifting gender roles to medicine to religion. There was a rise in the living standard of the middle class, which impacted everything from fashion to leisure time activities. And while illustrations depicting the emerging modern woman began to appear, equality was still largely an issue tabled for future generations. A reemphasis on home and family led to even further confusion and contradiction in how society perceived the roles of males and females. Other aspects of society saw great improvement --- diseases were studied and catalogued, sanitation within cities addressed, and technology aided advancements in medicine. Art of that period depicted all these emerging social changes in a variety of forms. William Firth's Life at the Seaside is a marvelous representation of families enjoying a day at the shore, while Frederick Walker's The Vagrants reveals the sad disparity that still existed between the upper and lower social classes. In the mid section of THE VICTORIAN VISION, the illustrations and text demonstrate Britain's dominance in trade and colonization, which led to a growth in the demand of manufactured products as the world moved rapidly toward the Industrial Revolution. William Logsdail's St Paul's and Ludgate Hill shows the changing interior of the city as new methods of transportation transformed the work environment from local cottage industries to factories manned by commuters. Inventions like the telephone and the typewriter were celebrated in posters that marked a new commercialism in the arts. Color printing and photography allowed images from the far corners of the British Empire to be added to books and newspapers, thus allowing the general public to see what they might not be able to even read about. The many beautiful plates in this section show the variety of ways that Victorians made use of the technology that was developing at a startling pace. The latter third of the book deals with the British Empire's global reach, and the art included here is a magnificent display of the worldwide cultural influences penetrating European life. The colors and detail of Sir Edwin Landseer's Isaac van Amburgh and his Animals depicts a Victorian lion tamer surrounded by his entourage of wild beasts. Victorians were enthusiastic over the many new discoveries of the natural world, and the sciences of zoology and botany flourished. Artisans like E. W. Godwin began to echo Japanese influences into their furniture designs. Chinese porcelain became highly popular. Other artists were inspired by the vast, mystical lands of Africa and the Middle East, and attempted to convey those feelings with representations like David Roberts's Ascent to the Summit and Thomas Baines's Herd of Buffalo, Opposite the Garden Island, Victoria Falls. Despite it's hefty size, THE VICTORIAN VISION is really a microcosm of this magnificent period, offering a richly detailed narrative and over 300 exquisite illustrations on the role the Victorians played in the world in which we now live. It would make a marvelous gift for the history buff or the art lover on your holiday shopping list. --- Reviewed by Ann Bruns (BkPageWC@aol.com) More Art... © Copyright 2001, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved. Back to top.