5 comments about Grammatically Correct.

1. I have wanted to replace these books. I think they are essential in helping you write any and everything.



2. This product will be of assistance to anyone who is writing articles,books or even just business letters. It has been a great help to me.



3. The 3 books I've recently purchased via Amazon are far too old. I feel taken advantage of. Henceforth, I shall be buying books on line only from sellers who furnish the copyright & latest revision dates.



4. I recommend Grammatically Correct to every writer I know. It's unparalleled for its range of topics and ease of use.
   
   Use it as a reference book to look up proper punctuation or read it cover to cover for a thorough grounding in writing rules. Stilman is easy to understand and provides plenty of examples.
   
   My hardcover copy is flagged with post-it notes, marked with yellow highlighter, and heavy with paper clips.
   
   Grammatically Correct is my first choice when I need to check punctuation, grammar, or word usage. A recommended book for any serious writer, the not-so-serious writer, and anyone looking for a complete reference source in one book.
   
   Buy this one for the writer in your life. Especially if that writer is you.



5. It is not an exciting book to read but it was never intended to be entertainment. It is just what it says it is - a guide to punctuation, spelling, style, usage and grammar. As a writer of books and articles, I have myself reaching for this book often. I must admit that I have actually sat down and read this book from cover to cover several times looking for things I did not know or had forgotten. I would think that most sane people would never attempt to do that stunt at home!
   
   I bet if I proof read this review against what the book would recommend that it would find fault with how I punctuated it and also with my style. In any case, do not use me as an example of how well it teaches one to write! Now you can see why I keep the book around and have to use it as often as I do. I think my book review makes the point very clearly that the book is indeed needed by writers!

5 comments about Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New Way of Seeing the World Around You.

1. I had to buy this book, Keeping a Nature Journal, for an Ornithology course. Clare Leslie does an amazing job of sketching and just the book is awesome! She writes clearly and concisely and it is sooo easy to understand. It also is written so just your average Joe can feel like he can sketch beautiful pictures and such. Well, when I'm reading and skimming the pictures, I feel like I can be an artist too. Wonderful book.



2. I should have ordered this book sooner. It gives great ideas on how to keep a nature journal with scetches and notes. I have been keeping a journal for years and this book sent me in a different direction that I am really enjoying.



3. This book has been very helpful in teaching me how to journal. My preconceived notions on journaling have been changed. The tips and techiniques given in this book have improved my journaling and helped me to teach my children that is is not an art project, but an activity to record what you have seen, heard and experienced. Not written from a Christian world view.



4. This book is so not what I thought it was going to be. I thought it was a journal to write in with some tips and things to get you started. But it is an entire, huge book telling you how to keep a scientific nature journal. I'd send it back except I don't want to have to pay shipping costs. HOWEVER, if you are looking for a very detailed book on how to keep a scientific nature journal, then this would be great for you. It is a lovely book to look at, and I might find some nice suggestions, but it wasn't at all what I had in mind.



5. I bought this book unseen hoping to get some good ideas for a curriculum development project for elementary school kids I'm working on. I wasn't disappointed. This is a beautiful book. It's well written by 2 authors who are obviously passionate about the subject matter. Reproductions of Leslie's journal pages throughout the book also help you see the sorts of things that are possible and are a real inspiration. Her images are often quickly drawn and a little on the rough side, suggesting that anyone with a few minutes, a few colored pencils, a blank book, and a love for nature is capable of making a gorgeous nature journal. The book covers ideas for how to start a nature journal, the kinds of equipment you need, things you might want to keep an eye out for, and suggestions for improving your artistic skills. As I'd hoped, there is also a section for eductators who wish to use nature journals to teach people, young and old, about nature and the environment in which they live.
   
   This book contains a lot of great information and the images from Leslie's journals are amazing. I think anyone who is into nature journals (as I am) would appreciate this book, as well as those who wish to start one.

5 comments about A World of Art.

1. This was a wonderful course, the book is easy to understand and presented well. Nice size print and good photos of lots of works. I realy enjoyed each page of the book.



2. It's a text book in its fifth edition. When I start my own publishing co. I'll be sure to be involved in text books so I can cut students such a great deal by only charging $60 instead of $90 and I'll only print new editions every 3 years instead of 2 at the risk of things like math, art, and history changing so dramatically.



3. The book covers an extensive array of facts about art in general as well as about specific works of art. By introducing artists and exploring their intentions, the student can better understand and perhaps come to appreciate a wider variety of all forms of art.
   The CD holds some of the works that appear in the book, but not all, plus others that are not in the book which I thought was a little disconnected. But the CD also includes verbal pronunciation of artists' names, which cooresponds exactly to the Pronunciation Guide and is helpful. Overall, the book offers very thorough instruction for art appreciation.



4. Delivery in a great amount of time. Everything was ok with the pages where all there and the book was in great shape



5. wow...this book I founded 40 dollars cheaper that in my college. I am really glad I did not had to pay that exagerated amount. Thanx.

5 comments about Color by Betty Edwards: A Course in Mastering the Art of Mixing Colors.

1. This is not an easy book for the beginner. However, with time and a little patience, one begins to see the brilliance of the work.



2. The Books of Betty Edwards are very informative for the beginning as well as for the more accomplished artist. It's like being in class.



3. This is a great book for those who are enterested in painting. Betty Edwards "Color" is a great resource in understanding color relations.



4. For a person who has never thought deeply about the nature of colours and pigments and the blending of such, this book is a revelation. Highly recommendable. Frank Visti, Denmark



5. I have been an artist/scientist for over 25 years. I have no problems absolutely in mixing paint and color theory. However, when it came to referring a book that would best explain color theory to a novice, I have to say that this one is it. It is colorful, easy to read and Dr. Edwards clearly defines the jargon used so that it is easy to follow. I have read the unfavorable comments, and all I have to say is that it is not meant to be a book on how to mix a particular color (hue, intensity, brightness,tint and so on). If that is what you are looking for,
   a " how to" mix specific colors, yes you will be dissapointed. However, that is not its purpose. She specifically points out that there does not exist a true "primary red, blue and yellow" in tubed paints. Your in better luck using inks. Every artist should know that you can buy a tube color in different brands and get different range of that color! I can't imagine why someone would want to match a swatch to a printed book in which what you see comes via the mixture of colored inks! Often no two tubes of the same brand are exactly alike. So in her defense, I truely give her kudos for making the complicated issue of color theory simple. I really believe this is a must in every young artist's library and even in seasoned artist's. I personally enjoyed reading it and reviewing the theory of color in a way I wish was availiable when I was starting out. It makes a great gift!

5 comments about Perspective Made Easy.

1. Even though it does not appeat to the eye at first, the content is very, very good and teaches a lot.
   I keep it close and refer to it every time I have some difficulty while drawing in perspective.



2. This book just wasn't for me. Maybe I expected too much after reading all the praise for this book. But I found the explanations insufficient, most of the time I had to look at the little drawings and try to figure it out myself.
   
   There's not much in terms of interior design, which is what I would like to sharpen my drawing skills for. At one point, Norling gives a drawing of a box, and then he tells you to turn it, so it becomes a room and you can place furniture in it. But how??
   
   In my opinion, the book lacks clear instructions and step-by-step drawings.
   
   I expected more, maybe I'll find it in Pile's book.



3. This book is extremely elementary; it's truly for somebody who has no art experience at all. If you are an Interior Designer looking for a book on perspective drawings chances are you already know way more than this book has to offer. I would recommend Perspective for Interior Designers by John Pile, it's extensive yet very clear and concise.



4. Wonderfull and easy book to understand the principles of Perspective.
   Easy explained and NO MORE PAIN ABOUT PERSPECTIVE



5. This book would be a good reference to have around if you've managed to paint yourself into a corner where your perspective doesn't work. Flipping through the pages, you'll probably discover why. The author gives simple exercises for those trying to figure out the principles of perspective in a very easy to understand manner. He covers things you might not think of such as where to space vanishing points, perspective up and down hill, false eye levels, reflections, shades, and shadows. There are many examples, all drawn, in each chapter.

5 comments about Fill Your Oil Paintings with Light & Color.

1. Really terrific book! I highly recommend it for anyone beginning in oil paintings as well as seasoned painters. It is down to earth, great instruction and his paintings are beautiful! You can definitely see his growth in his painting in his second book - also terrific, however the second book - Painting Inside and Out - reads in places like an advertisement for a couple of companies and products - didn't appreciate that much, but otherwise - also a fantastic book - even for the photos alone -



2. I have been painting and studying art for many decades - this is a really great book! I keep re reading!



3. Great book, was told about this from an art instructor, saying this was one of the best you can buy and have in your library.



4. I purchased this book because of all the great reviews it received. I was not impressed. Everything was way too simplistic. If you're an intermediate or professional painter, you will not learn anything from this book that you don't already know.
   
   Also, where was the light and color? I must've missed those pages.



5. AWESOME book packed to the full with inspiring paintings & photos, really practical tips for the would be painter, and help over all those overwhelming and sometimes insurmountable difficulties confronting the aspirant oil painter. Replaces mystery with method. I'm really thrilled to have discovered Kevin Macpherson's approach to painting "plein air" and am already seeing the fruits of applying it.

5 comments about Masterful Color: Vibrant Colored Pencil Paintings Layer by Layer.

1. Having a pretty large collection of drawing and colored pencil books I figured there wasn't much I would get out of this one. I was wrong. This book really took my colored pencil paintings to a new level. Like a lot of other colored pencil books, you really need to have drawing skills as this book won't teach you how to draw. What you will learn is how to make your colored pencil paintings look like paintings and not bland one dimensional drawings. This book will teach you how to bring life to your drawings with vibrant, bold color. Get this book and try one of the drawings (I did the marbles) and if you follow the directions and take your time you will be amazed at what you can create. I find myself going to this book to help guide me each time I start a new project and it hasn't let me down yet.



2. "masterful COLOR" is well written in a clear concise format. Explanations from concept of idea to composition using the latest digital equipment as well as basic equipment needed is well taught. This is more of a "how I do it" book, rather than a broad spectrum book detailing supplies, equipment, techniques and other basics. With this in mind, Arlene Steinberg eliminates the need for lengthly explanations so you can focus on how to expediently execute a well conceived painting. A detailed summary of color theory and underpainting styles used by the Old Masters was exceptionally insightful and unique to this fine art medium. I consider this purchase a part of my foundation in learning the art of the colored pencil.



3. I found this to be an excellent book on colored pencil. The lessons have a lot of detail and many step-by-step photos which make it a lot easier to complete the projects than in some books. I am using the book as if I were taking a course in color pencils, completing the paintings in the order in which they appear in the book. Most of my drawings are actually turning out to look like the ones in the book. When they don't I do them again paying closer attention to the instructions. I am learning a lot about layering color to get rich tones. I don't think all colored pencil artists build up that many layers to achieve the colors in their paintings but I think that it is worth it to learn this way. Now, when I do a leaf I won't immediately reach for the greens or when i do a red flower, immediately reach for the reds. I have been trying color pencil and knew I needed more instruction but wasn't sure where to start. I was so excited when I got this book because the book gave me the answer.
   I did find that my paintings came out more true to hers when i traced the finished painting in the book to make my pattern instead of using the line drawings in the back of the book but all-in-all it is a wonderful book.



4. Other reviewers have thoroughly covered the author's inclusion of every aspect of colored pencil in this book. They are right on the money. The reason I bought this book, however, and the reason I like it, is stated in the title. 'Masterful Color.' That truly says it all.
   
   This book is filled with color, glorious color! Color and value, the color wheel, training your eyes to see color, and even some history behind the use of color. The demos sparkle with tints and shades, and the references to the Old Masters, and their use of color and technique, are particularly interesting and useful, especially if one wants to paint like an Old Master someday. And that antique look appears to be coming back into fashion.
   
   The usage and properties of color build, in this book, from the ground up. I love to underpaint, but I am never sure which color to use under what hue. On page 47, there is an extremely handy tool...a chart illustrating color combinations that will make your paintings shine! This color chart must have taken days of work and years of experience to develop. Possession of this chart alone is worth the price of the book.
   
   I buy many colored pencil books, but today's market is becoming so saturated, it is difficult to find something new in every book that comes out. This book contains new and different material, and it is a must for the colored pencil lover's library.



5. As a gallery director and host to one of Arlene's three-day workshops, I am happy to say that she has managed to condense an entire workshop into an excellent instructional book full of step-by-step demonstrations, color information and basic templates. Beginners, intermediate students and artists at all levels will find this book to be a very useful tool. Masterful Color: Vibrant Colored Pencil Paintings Layer by Layer is the next best thing to taking a workshop from Arlene. It is a must have for all colored pencil artists and for anyone who wants to learn about colored pencil.

5 comments about Ways of Seeing: Based on the BBC Television Series.

1. Even though "Ways of Seeing" is a flawed book in many ways, it is so seminal in the development of post-modern image making that it must be considered essential reading in critical theory.
   
   The book is based on a television series. The book itself is only 176 pages. The print is all in a bold, sans-serif font. The authors are quick to claim that the book was made, not written. The pictures used to demonstrate the points are small and in black and white.
   
   The book is based on the theory that the interpretation of western art evolved out of the power and finance structure of western civilization. Inevitably books that describe the world primarily in economic terms, as an arena of conflict and a battle by the rich for dominance of the poor, are referred to by some as Marxist and I have no doubt this book has been so described.
   
   The book has seven chapters, four of which are written and three of which are reproductions of art works without words. The theme developed is that the way people view art is strongly affected by the power structure of the society.
   
   I must confess that the three chapters that were solely illustrated were difficult for me to engage, both because of the size of the images as well as the difficulty of following the thread which I felt ran through the pictures even though I was not able to decode the message.
   
   The first chapter is based on and explicates the work of the critic Walter Benjamin in his essay, "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction". Unlike Benjamin, who sometimes seems torn between the loss of the aura of the original and the benefit of mass accessibility, Berger seems to believe that real benefits will derive from the reproduced work of art, if the viewer can sweep away the lenses of the past through which he might view the work.
   
   The third chapter deals with the role of art in the commodification of women and the fifth chapter examines the role of oil painting in the reduction of people's world view to a matter of money. (Burger only excepts the work of a few artists, like Rembrandt, from this view.) The final chapter is based upon the use of images for marketing.
   
   This work is important because, if it did not shape the outlook of post-modern art, it was at least in the vanguard of recognizing the roles of the art that preceded post-modernism, and led to the rejectionist point of view.
   
   Berger is clear in emphasizing that the way we view art is filtered through the prism of culture in the sociological sense, although that certainly was not ground breaking in critical theory, even at the time of first publication. On the other hand, here was art criticism first presented on what was then a new media, television. Even the book format, such as using a bold-faced font throughout the book, appealed to the avant-garde.
   
   Burger would substitute art, not as a tool to help preserve an economic and power system, but rather as a way for the consumer of art to enrich his own life.
   
   I suspect that artists other then post-modernists may not benefit very much in their work from reading "Ways of Seeing". On the other hand, if you have a serious interest in critical theory, even though you may reject Berger's thesis, you must read this book.



2. "Ways of Seeing " has become so universally available, so overused (especially in academia), and so often quoted, that it's refreshing to read the reviews of so many intelligent naysayers here. "Ways of Seeing" is perhaps mistitled in that it really proposes only one way of seeing works of art, which is as artifacts in the history of capitalism. It is propaganda, and like most propaganda, it heavily skews the evidence in favor of it's main argument, which is basically that European art from Raphael to Picasso is just a tool for enslaving women, non-Europeans and the working classes. (Warning: Berger is a real kill-joy. If you read this book and imbibe it's themes, be prepared to never innocently enjoy your favorite old masters again!) However, I would advise anyone with a serious interest in art criticism and theory to get a copy, fill the margins with notes, consult the original sources, and decide for herself/himself how well it stands up. To give just one instance of how sloppy Berger can be, I would invite the reader to consider whether he bothered to learn anything about the art of perspective drawing before indicting it as ideologically tainted, and then trashing it, all in two short paragraphs.



3. Ways of Seeing is about looking at art, if you get right down to it. However, it is about looking at it from a political point of view, or a cultural point of view, or a gender point of view. He takes a few different actual art pieces and writes about each of them, taking this sort of thing into account.



4. This is a hot little book well worth contemplating if you're aspiring to become a serious artist. For the student, novice artist, seasoned practioner or curious artlover, your money will be well spent to have this on your shelf.



5. Dreck, dreck, dreck, dreck,dreck, dreck, dreck, dreck, dreck, dreck,more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, more dreck, and more dreck, and more dreck, and more dreck . . . you get the idea?

5 comments about 30,000 Years of Art.

1. This is a full color work on ancient artwork,
   as well as modern art. The renditions date back
   to 50,000 BC. Sample pieces are as follows:
   o France- Dappled Horses of Pech at 25,000 BC
   o Australia- Sash at 17,000 BC - rock pigments
   o Spain- Altamira Bison limestone at 15,000 BC
   o South Africa- Cold Stream Burial Stone
   o Iraq- Samarra Plate at 5,000 BC
   o Peru- Paracas Embroidered Mantle 50 BC
   o Italy- Cubiculum Fresco at 19 BC - a colorful dress
   o China- Watchtower at 100 AD
   o Italy- Opus Sectile Panel of Christ (marble)
   
   A beauty of this work is that readers can observe
   Christian themes which coincide at or near the time
   of Jesus Christ. In addition, a clear sense of the
   people and fashions of the times is evident throughout.
   The acquisition is worth the price of admission.
   This book will have a wide constituency of readers
   from business, academe and the arts.



2. A superlative review of human accomplishment in the visual arts. Intelligent, well designed. Beautifully printed and bound. Unbelieve bargain- without a doubt the single best buy of recent times!



3. It is always stunning to see a photograph of the approximately 28,000 year old cave paintngs. In the eeriness of a flame-lit cave, a human being probably not much different than you and me depicted the world around him or her. All we know for sure is that someone had a need to express themselves. And so humans have done so for the past 30,000 years, with a sampling of 1,000 artworks between the covers of this magnificient book.
   
   One of the most amazing features of this book is the price. Incredibly low for such a large book with so many finely reproduced photographs of artworks. Truly a bargain - and one that belongs in every home.
   
   Why should a book on art be in every home? Because this is a book of history. Not the history of art, per se, but the history of humankind.
   
   In many cases, the art is actually artifact - remnants of a culture, of a civilization. (It can be argued that much 20th Century Western art is actually evidence of the devolution of civilization, but that belongs in another venue.) Virtually every culture is representedd from across the globe. The collection is relatively eclectic, especially for what we consider "primitive" cultures where what we see as "art" was for that culture merely a everyday tool.
   
   We see from the art that much of the time, it was the province of the powerful or the rich. We can see the preoccupation of certain cultures with religion, which is actually the theme of most of the works here. That may be a result of such works often being large and more survivable. One can only imagine how much of what we would consider art today has been destroyed or plundered. Think of all the gold objects carried off by invaders or the indigenous work destroyed, such as the Mayan manuscipts burned by the Spanish or the recurrent repressions of the Jews and their religions. Of course, much art was simply destroyed because it had outlived it usefulness: many Greek and Roman bronzes were melted down over time.
   
   We should be thankful that we have what we have and that thanks to miracles of modern technology, we can enjoy and appreciate it in the comfort of our own homes. Truly amazing.
   
   The commentaries for each of the artworks shown are mercifully plain-spoken. The pretensiousness of academics is happily absent.
   
   Overall, this book is an admirable overview of the history of art and really should be in every home. It is a great value.
   
   Jerry



4. I bought this book for my brother as a present as he was always into these large format art books. shipping weight was heavy so no super saver shipping though it wasnt much to ship along with my other items that had it. i was very disappointed by it when it arrived as for a book this heavy it was not even properly packaged well, half of the front page was crushed during shipment, and this is a hard cover book. it did not look pretty either. lesson learned, never buy a heavy book from amazon as a gift, go to the store to pick it up and spend the extra cash as its a hassle to return and reship.
   
   also content could have been a lot better, as an archaeologist i was very interested in what would be shown. i was quite disappointed in the artifacts and their choices. also there are no multiple views of the artifacts or anything to measure scale. descriptions are also very brief and dating of items can be argued.



5. When 30,000 Years arrived in the mail, I was truly surprised - given the relatively low price of this huge book - at the quality of the images and their presentation. At least half of each page is reserved for the art - so the reproductions are large and can be enjoyed in detail. The text is interesting and informative but does not crowd the image. As it should be!

5 comments about The Lost Painting.

1. Some authors with a best seller under their belts have been content to pump out a series of books in a similar vein. Jonathan Harr seems to be following a different path, good for him.
   
   Published ten years after A Civil Action, an acclaimed account of an environmental lawsuit told from the viewpoint of the attorneys involved, The Lost Painting deals with the arcane world of searching for, restoring, and authenticating art treasures.
   
   Readers follow in the footsteps of Francesca Cappaletti, an art history student, in search of The Taking of Christ, a long-lost painting by Caravaggio (circa 1602). She finds some leads and tracks the painting from Italy to Scotland, but there - in Edinburgh, around 1921 - the historical trail goes cold.
   
   Enter Sergio Benedetti, several years later, an Italian émigré who is working as a restorer of paintings at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. On being asked to clean a painting at a nearby monastery, he astutely recognizes that it may be a Caravaggio original as opposed to, say, a painting done by someone else in the master's style.
   
   An investigation of the painting's provenance ties in with the chain of custody established by Francesca, and the results of scientific testing are favorable. Sir Denis Mahon, viewed as perhaps the world's leading authority on the works of Caravaggio, declares that the painting is indeed The Taking of Christ. Uncertainties remain, however, and another painting will turn up that cannot be entirely ruled out.
   
   The action takes place over a period of years, in several different locations (meticulously described), with revealing sketches of the principals (from passions to personal foibles) and even the technical details of what they do. Yet, somehow, Harr covers it all in less than 300 pages.
   
   For good measure, the book relates some of joyous ups and dreadful downs in Caravaggio's life (he was probably bi-polar). This material is fascinating, but I do not think the attempt to blend it with the 20th century story is entirely successful
   
   In the course of working on The Lost Painting, Harr learned Italian (enabling him to conduct interviews without an interpreter) and went international (he is now said to be living in Northampton, Massachusetts and Rome). Judging from the lengthy bibliography, he also did a considerable amount of reading,
   
   No wonder the project took 10 years! I wonder what this talented writer will do for an encore.



2. I was given the book to read by a friend who loves museums. It was a wonderful book and now when I visit museums in Rome my husband and I always head for the Caravaggio paintings (it helps that we live here). The book was interesting and I read it straight through. I have recommended it to others also.



3. "Less Than Illuminating - Review of Jonathan Harr's The Lost Painting"
   Daniel Jimerfield
   
   Caravaggio was an Italian painter who died at the age of 39 in the year 1610. During his lifetime, he had achieved a mild degree of celebrity which was not to last. It was not until 1941 that Roberto Longhi, the acclaimed art historian, began to champion Caravaggio as the "least known (Master) in Italian art." Longhi put together an exhibition in 1951 which would lead to a resurgence in appreciation of and interest in Caravaggio that continues unabated to the present. In fact, many art enthusiasts can be said to display symptoms of the "Caravaggio disease," an unhealthy obsession with the newly reconsidered Master.
   Caravaggio's style has been described as "excessive naturalism" or a "shadowy scene depicted by a single light." He is ultra dramatic and not without a certain dark humor. Arriving in Rome from Milan in 1592 at the age of 21, Caravaggio was destitute so he began to carve small, crude statues for simple room and board. He also sold paintings of his own devising on the street like other young artists. After making the acquaintance of an art dealer named Constantino Sparta, Caravaggio began to sell work to more prominent members of society. He found his first patron in Cardinal Francesco Del Monte who purchased "The Cardsharps" - a painting showing two card hustlers cheating a rich, young man out of his money. The Cardinal offered the artist room and board and the freedom to paint. Apparently, Caravaggio was an exceedingly unpleasant person - once, after the police had stopped him for carrying a sword and dagger in public, he produced a license and uttered some choice expletives. Caravaggio became embroiled in serious feuds, committed some crimes, and was forced to flee Rome. On the run and afraid, he died of exposure shortly before receiving a pardon for his misdeeds.
   Only 80 authentic Caravaggio paintings are known to exist. Many experts enjoy disputing whether versions are authentic or not. Roberto Longhi and Sir Denis Mahon, two outstanding art history minds, disagreed over which of two versions of "St. John the Baptist" was the real thing. Sir Denis Mahon's so called Capitoline version is now generally credited with authenticity. In Jonathan Harr's "The Lost Painting," he recounts this epic, academic battle in a narrative, non-fiction fashion, attempting to spice it up along the way with relatively interesting but largely inconsequential details. The true subject of the book, of course, is the long misplaced Caravaggio "The Taking of Christ," known to have existed but lost to the sands of time. Harr tries to add a romantic, racy element to the book with his inclusion of an art investigator's love life, an unneeded and distracting side plot that adds little except for perhaps more readers. The painting is eventually located in an abbey in Ireland and Harr once again moves the focus to an Italian art restorer who may or may not have slightly damaged the painting when he performed a much needed relining. Harr spends too many pages dwelling on petty, interpersonal intrigues that, in the end, have no connection to the true drama that was Caravaggio's life and passion.
   I have read a great deal of books in this genre and in the main find them to be not only highly readable but surprising and informative. I had hoped that Harr's book would fulfill some of these same qualities but I found I was disappointed. I feel "The Lost Painting" would have made an arresting, lengthy magazine article but it did not warrant a full length book.



4. Given the dry nature of Art History this book is a great page turner. The pace and writing make this read like something out of fiction. An outstanding read.



5. A great idea ruined by boring writing and a plot that wouldn't get going, and characters that garnered zero sympathy. Perhaps this book was trying to ride the coattails of the commercial success of The DaVinci Code, which is equally matched in uninspired writing style as this.