No comments about Great Painters and Their Famous Bible Pictures.

5 comments about Painting Religion in Public: John Singer Sargent's Triumph of Religion at the Boston Public Library..

1. This book is absolutely brilliant. A previous reviewer expressed their disappointment with the lack of images. I would first like to point out that a lack of images is no reason to give the book only one star, especially considering that they were able to recognize the fact that Promey is the first to write a book on what the reviewer conceded is "a basically unpublished subject." As for the reviewer's claim that this book is only suitable for the Art Historian, I would just like to say that I read this book when I was 13, and still managed to find it thoroughly interesting and engaging. Perhaps the reviewer's need for more pretty pictures than the author (wisely) chose to include is an indicator of a lack of education and imagination on their part rather than a lack of judgment on hers.



2. Although lacking in adequate color plates as expressed by a previous reviewer, this text is wonderful in its description of the history of the mural which took Sargent 30 years and was never completed probably because of the controversy arising out of how religion was viewed in public in 1919, a change from when Sargent started it in 1890. The book describes the history of the mural in the context of its time of diverse social, cultural and religious matters. After viewing the actual mural at the Boston Public Library, where it is, unfortunately, covered with dirt but is being restored and cleaned, one will be overwhelmed with this painting and find the book extremely interesting and full of important historical information, as well as understand why this mural is considered one of the most important pieces of public art.



3. Promey leads the reader on an insightful exploration of Sargent's artistic and spiritual investment in _Triumph of Religion_. This book has changed the way I look at religious art in public places.



4. A fascinating book -- a major contribution to the history of American visual culture! This is a Sargent I hadn't seen before! The wealth of visual material in Promey's book (works of art, preparatory sketches and studies, photographs, prints, cartoons) provides testimony that Sargent's art was deeply informed by the culture of its time. It was also, as Promey shows, responsive to the artist's own intellectual and personal commitments. Highly recommended!



5. This is a convincing, original, and highly readable book. I've seen Sargent's Boston Public Library murals--now obscured by dirt and grime--many times. It was a real treat to see them in Promey's book, restored to their initial splendor. (I look forward to their scheduled restoration too.) I read this book because the Boston Globe art critic called it a "dazzling must-read." And she was right!

1 comments about Voicing Creations Praise: Towards a Theology of the Arts.

1. For those interested in serious theological reflection on art, this volume is a must-read. Begbie's unique background as a classically-trained musician and Cambridge theologian gives him wonderful insight and Spirit-led authority in dealing with this critical cultural topic. Moreover, Begbie breaks free of the Modernist stranglehold on aesthetic philosophy, and presents a refreshing and deeply Christocentric analysis of the relationship between the character and action of God and human creativity. In this sense, the work is deeply "postmodern", but without any of the un-Biblical, theologically liberal baggage which usually accompanies such a label. Begbie also avoids the all-too-common mistake of basing his ideas strictly upon Old Testament references, but rather posits for us a theology of the arts which revolves around the living, loving Christ as Lord of all Creation. Though this book is not an appropriate topical introduction for the completely uninitiated layperson, it will appeal to any Christian or artist who has a grasp of the basic philosophies and histories of art, or a passing familiarity with Scriptural references to art and music. In short, this is a serious work by a towering intellectual, but it is well worth reading and reflection, despite the effort required.

1 comments about 60-Second Skits.

1. These brief sketches are very relevant for your youth group, and easy to learn. A wide variety of topics are included, so you won't have a hard time finding something you can use. They are very effective.

2 comments about Sengai: The Zen of Ink and Paper.

1. This is an informal and accessible guide to Master Sengai's work, a man who in his study of Zen stumbled rather appropriately into the ink drawing art of sumi-e as a means of revealing for himself and others the essence of wisdom. It has been said that the secret of the Tao is so simple that if it were to suddenly become common knowledge, laughter would be heard everywhere. Looking at Sengai's art is to experience that truth and I recommend this as an antidote to the stifling austerity to which religious traditions are so often view as being caught up.



2. For the people interested in Zen this book is an excellent way to learn about one of the most influential monks in Zen history. Sengai was not only a monk, but a great artist whose art was expressed through his drawings. And this book written by D.T. Suzuki, author of numerous books about Zen, is focused mainly in explaining the meaning behind some of the Senagi's drawings. A negative aspect about this book is that the quality of the ilustration's prints is almost like the one of a newspaper. I tought I would find the same quality as the drawing from the cover but it was a big disappointment. Still, through the bad prints, we can appreciate the sublime art of Sengai.

2 comments about Angels: Celestial Spirits in Art & Legend.

1. Jaqueline Carey has presented us with a chef d' oeuvre. Brilliant writing mixed with stunning illustrations made for a remarkable book. Carey takes us on a journey through the lives of not only beneficial angels but also the infamous ones e.g. Azazel, the Nephilem, Lilth, etc. "Angels" is split into four unique chapters, Angels of the Divine, The Eternal Realm, The Material World, & The Infernal Regions. Each chapter provided me with simple yet informative knowledge. The only problem I had with this book is that it was too short. About half the pages are art & I ended up reading this book in less then a day. However this book will still always have a special place on my bookshelf.



2. Angels...has compiled some of the best reproductions of old master paintings and illuminated manuscripts depicting many in the angelic hierarchy. Better yet (and quite surprisingly) the writing is fresh, fun and accurate. Jacqueline Carey tells the stories of the angels using many diverse religious sources so the perspective is never stale. Her writing and storytelling ability make this a great read from start to finish.

2 comments about The Faces of Christ in Sonora: Los Rostros del Senor en Sonora.

1. The Life of Christ is celebrated throughout the world, but no two regions do it the same. "The Face of Christ in Sonora" shows that we can even learn about the culture around it in observing the way that they worship, as shown with the turbulent, yet rich history and culture of the Mexican state of Sonora. Written in both English and Spanish for maximum accessibility, "The Face of Christ in Sonora" is highly recommended for both religious and world history community library shelves- and for anyone who wants to see pictures of how another culture celebrates something so familiar to us.



2. This is a book written by two sensitive and knowledgeable individuals who have spent their lives in the Sonoran Desert, deeply immersed in the life of the region.
   
   A gem!
   It is a good way to have a snapshot of a region with a shared history at a time when the lives of millions of folks are being shredded in the political struggles that have been generated a long distance from here.

No comments about Fabiola or The Church of The Catacombs.

1 comments about Postmodern Heretics: Catholic Imagination in Contemporary Art.

1. This is an insightful, fascinating perspective on the influences of the Catholic culture, specifically relating to artists who are themselves Catholic. As a practicing artist who is herself of Catholic origins, I found this book both practical and inspiring. Unlike a great deal of art criticism, I was spellbound from the first page. Thank you.

2 comments about Tibetan Art: Tracing the Development of Spiritual Ideals....

1. This is a fine addition to anyone's library, either specialist or beginner. Perhaps the most spectacular advantage this book has is that Ms. Heller has managed to find almost entirely new pieces to illustrate her book...no more do we have to view recycled images! She has evidently spent a great deal of time scouring private collections to find these pieces and some of them may only be described as absolutely stunning. Ms Heller carefully places Tibetan art into a historical and social setting. It is largely due to the layout of the book she succeeds in this so admirably. The art works are described and commented on in separate sections of the book but within the larger chapters which themselves clearly describe their historical and social context. The advantage of this layout is that the reader is able to locate art works within their "setting" and the thoughtfully constructed and readable text adds greatly to the enjoyment of the art itself. The text has the freedom to follow religious and historical currents without interrupting or being interrupted by the art historical material which is given the respect of not being forced to compete with the other text.

   Unlike so many other books on this subject, accurate dimensions are given as well as previous publication data for the few pieces seen before.

   I would have liked to see an Introduction which among other things, perhaps traced Ms. Heller's long time involvement with Tibetan art, but given all the other extremely positive aspects of the book it is a small loss.




2. This book is remarkable in that it reads well on both the lay and expert levels. Well illustrated and explained; it doesn't talk down to those unfamiliar with the topic nor bore those who are. An excellent addition to any art book collection. Cheers.