Appearance
Balthus
For those who don't have the resources to purchase Balthus Catalogue Raisonne - the Complete Works, this is a very good secondary choice. Comprehensive in its compilation, Balthus is a joy to own. Throughout the book's pages one discovers this brilliant artist's ingenious talent through text and images, and possibly discerns that he is himself seduced by ingénue and adolescence. I believe Balthus captures this aspect intelligently, albeit somewhat seductively, but there are those who will not agree. There is humor and sadness too in his work. You see both in Balthus' first published work when Mitsou, a small book of drawings emerged. Mitsou was a kitten when found and later lost, that constantly appears as a full grown cat throughout Balthus' paintings. I believe the repetitive appearance of Mitsou illustrates the artist's emotional need for adolescent comfort that continued well beyond puberty. The author informs the reader of this in a very subtle way. Very definitely this is a book that delivers a broad introduction to Balthus where we are given more than a glimpse of his work in animated illustrations, study drawings, theatre set designs, portraits, landscapes, citiscapes, frescoes and still lifes. Furthermore, the author does provide a glance into the artist's interractions with his contemporaries but offers very little about Balthus' private life. I wonder if Balthus shrouded himself in mystery to parlay the truth of genius so often revealed in his paintings? Always distant, his life remains cloaked in contradictions. There are two versions of this book - French and English translation - I recommend them both.
Ne McColl
I loved this book, the writer has such a wonderful way of making the past come alive. I am not from the US myself and I felt that through this book I could take a glimpse at what life must have been like for the writer. Great read.
Ne McColl
My sister, Frances McColl Stewart, has written a delightful book about our family heritage. The past comes alive with descriptive personalities shaped by the culture and traditions of the time. This book has sparked family controversies which are quite hilarious and all are inspired by this book to write their own story! I'm looking forward to reading them all - - although I hope Frances will be the ghostwriter. Her art of storytelling is pure genius and families everywhere will enjoy her book!
Ne McColl
Even if you're not a McColl, this book will hold your interest. Ms. Stewart has a very descriptive voice and the family stories are priceless. Makes me want to write one of my own...
Ne McColl
Wow~ this is an incredible story about a family that has their history recorded back to the 13th century. Fran gives me colorful visions of life in the South on a cotton farm. I can almost feel the heat and imagine that red dirt flowing through my hands as I see the 'double firsts' struggle to make their way in the world. They were certainly silent legends... ~jeanette
Ne McColl
What an interesting story of family history. Written with a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine sense of pride in family. Frances is a wonderful storyteller. I could not put the book down until I was finished! If you love well-written family history, this book is a must read!