Elke Doelman

I’ve read enough publications from Taschen’s art portfolio that I’ve become incredibly sceptical about the authorial quality, but I was happy to not find myself immediately annoyed with this book. It’s much smaller in volume than most of the other art books I’ve read, so the temptation to skip reading in lieu of absorbing strictly the artwork was much lessened and I was determined to read the book cover to cover. I did achieve this goal, but unfortunately found myself frustrated show more again due to the author’s hyper-focus on the aspects of sexuality that he perceived in Klimt’s work. Obviously there are many aspects of his interpretations that I agree with (for example that Klimt’s women were extremely forward in their aspect for the time period, and the way that he presented nude figures was certainly unique), but his over-use of certain terminology became tedious and at times seemed to imply a sense of disdain for female sexuality and the female form as presented by Klimt. Obviously Néret’s academic subject when it came to art critique was centered around eroticism, but I came into this book expecting an broad (but brief) overview of Klimt’s work not a detailed critique of a singular theme. Taschen may know how to style and print beautiful books, but the recurrent theme of inadequate authors seriously gets on my nerves. show less

Um....well, if nothing else the recipes in this book are certainly interesting and, um, creative.... What they are not is Chinese!

Lemon marmalade chicken
Turkey w/ chestnuts & Brussels sprouts (Um, I'll pass)
Squid Provencal
Mackerel w/ white currants (Interesting?)
Lemon fish strips w/ zucchini
Spicy ground lamb w/ peas, Pork w/ sweet potato
Chili franks (Ah now here's a dish!)
Sultan's Liver (He donated his organs for science)
Sprouts w/ salami (REALLY?)

See what I mean? There are some interesting show more dessert recipes as well: Yogurt delight, Strange carrot dessert (Strange? Yes), and Banana & avocado crunch (No lie)!

I'll pass on the entire book! show less

artist good at hiding things

Klimt, 19th-20th century, Austrian art - Vienna