Anthony Bailey (1) (1933–2020)

Privileged English white boy gets shipped, basically, to America to stay with another privileged Catholic white family during WW2. He is oblivious to what it happening in Europe, and well into his adulthood seems to continue to be oblivious to what happened during WW2. For him, WW2 was trips to the Cape, model airplanes, Black servants working for privileged white families.

It's kind of a really depressing read because of how oblivious the author continues to be.

"Just the facts, ma'am, just the facts."

And that's what you get in this biography of J.M.W. Turner. For me, it was slow-going, arranged only loosely chronologically, with events crisis-crossing over the chapters. For instance, there is a one chapter devoted to a patron of Turner's and another to a detractor. There is a chapter on travels on the continent, with some trips described in previous or later chapters. If you are looking for a good narrative you won't find it here. However, show more scholars will enjoy this biography, as It is very well-researched with many notes, lists of paintings and quotes.

While I won't remember all the details of his life, I now understand Turner's genius in his art and something of his complex character. He was prone to vicious outbursts as well as unexpected generosity.

Fortunately, this biography served a purpose for me since I was looking for background on J.M.W. Turner in anticipation of viewing the Turner exhibit at the AGO In Toronto. It definitely enhanced my viewing experience there. I have yet to see the movie, Mr. Turner, but plan to do so. show less

The world has changed so much since this book was published, it almost seems like ancient history. But as a snapshot as to what the cold war felt like in the early eighties, you could do much worse than than seeking out a copy of this book.
The author starts at the top of the iron curtain and works his way south, most of the time spent in Germany peeking over the top of the curtain. Some time is spent in the east in Berlin, comparing the huge differences between the democracy of West Germany show more and the confining strictures of the east.

The writing is very entertaining, again, that world has for the most part disappered, but is an important reminder of how we lived and the fears we had for three decades or more.

BTW, Ronald Regan did not tear down that wall, for an excellent overview of what actually happened I refer you to Michael Meyrs The Year That Changed The World. show less

Fascinating & lively. His eccentricities and genius come across strongly.particularly vivid after njust seeing the film by mike Leigh. Was reading at same time " Rembrandt's house by same author which failed altogether for me. Is there more info about Turner? Is he nearer in time and temperament? Is it Turner'Englishness that is more accessible? Or did the author simply do better or get more inspired?