Apollo 12 lunar module commander Alan Bean became the fourth man to walk on the surface of the moon. After returning to Earth, the astronaut turned to painting to share his experiences. One hundred seven of the artist’s works, reproduced in this coffee-table-sized volume from Smithsonian Books, reveal man’s space adventures as no photograph could hope to do.

Accompanying the art are commentaries from art critic Donald Kuspit, cultural geographer William Fox, and museum director Louis Zona addressing the astronaut’s work in the context of contemporary art and landscape painting. Apollo flight director Gene Krantz, recalls the historical drama of the Apollo flights from his eyewitness perspective on Earth.

This one-of-a-kind chronicle tells the story of man’s indomitable spirit as only one who has been there could accomplish. This unputdownable volume will keep readers enthralled and inspired as they return again and again to immerse themselves in these amazing paintings.

Highly recommended. ( )