Barbara Rose (1) (1936–2020)

Many of these old "World of Art" books tend to be lists of names strung together in chronological order pretending to be narratives. Barbara Rose for the most part manages to do better than that, providing a pretty readable history of art (mainly painting) in America. Ironically, it's when she gets to her era of the late '60s and early '70s that she falters, but overall it's a solid introduction to the subject.

Although beginning slowly with the unimpressive beginnings of early 20th century American art, the rest of the book makes a valiant effort to summarise all the culturally significant art happenings in America. The book truly excels when Rose gets to the subjects of her expertise: abstract expressionism, pop art, and modern sculpture.

provides a look at the struggle of American artists trying to create a unique modern identity, separate from Europe, through their artwork. Rose brilliantly organizes primary sources from artists and art critics. bibliography and selected illustrations included in the back.

Following an extended foreword by David C Levy are two essays: Larry Rivers - Painter of the Modern Life by Barbara Rose; and Larry Rivers and His "Smorgasbord of the Recognizable" by Jacquelyn Days Sewer. These are followed by the plates which run from pages 89 to 171; the book concludes with a Chronology, list of One-Man Exhibitions and finally Public Exhibitions.

The interesting essays provide quite personalised accounts of the artist, his life and his work, and both follow a chronological show more progression. They are illustrated throughout with photographs of Rivers and his friends and family as well as examples of his work. The plates are mostly produced to full page size, some occupying a double page; the concluding biography is illustrated with personal black and white photographs. About ninety full colour reproductions along with over fifty black and white images, mainly photographs, illustrate the book. The colour plates are very well produced, and a few of the black and white photos are reproduced full page or even double page size and are striking. This is altogether a most attractive generously sized volume, well designed and produced and with illuminating text; a very worth while book. show less