Anthony Bailey (1)Critiques

Jan Vermeer

The attribution of a painting to a particular artist can determine its artistic value and its monetary value as well. So when a group of scholars determine that a Rembrandt is not a Rembrandt, it can create quite a stir. This book evaluates that process with respect to a painting in the Frick collection: "The Polish Rider", that was originally determined to be by Rembrandt.

"Just the facts, ma'am, just the facts."

And that's what you get in this biography of J.M.W. Turner. For me, it was slow-going, arranged only loosely chronologically, with events crisis-crossing over the chapters. For instance, there is a one chapter devoted to a patron of Turner's and another to a detractor. There is a chapter on travels on the continent, with some trips described in previous or later chapters. If you are looking for a good narrative you won't find it here. However, scholars will enjoy this biography, as It is very well-researched with many notes, lists of paintings and quotes.

While I won't remember all the details of his life, I now understand Turner's genius in his art and something of his complex character. He was prone to vicious outbursts as well as unexpected generosity.

Fortunately, this biography served a purpose for me since I was looking for background on J.M.W. Turner in anticipation of viewing the Turner exhibit at the AGO In Toronto. It definitely enhanced my viewing experience there. I have yet to see the movie, Mr. Turner, but plan to do so.

A history

The Outer Banks by Anthony Bailey
An area we've yet to visit but know we would love.
A guide to NC outer banks. Besides the political events among the locals there are tourists that get instructions on how to hangglide.
Sounds interesting as long as there is land under you...so much information about the Wright brothers history.
Living through Hurricane Gloria, I remember this one when it hit RI. Like the discussions about the sea turtles and why they are endangered and what the locals are doing about it.
Loved hearing about the wild ponies=have seen them pictured in movies...
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).½

a very detailed biography of a painter that was in many ways ahead of his time. turner was a very complex man at times warm and other times crumply i wonder how much his work influenced the impressionist much of his art was a preview of what was to come. turner still did historical work but his work was light and color was and is amazioning½

Fascinating & lively. His eccentricities and genius come across strongly.particularly vivid after njust seeing the film by mike Leigh. Was reading at same time " Rembrandt's house by same author which failed altogether for me. Is there more info about Turner? Is he nearer in time and temperament? Is it Turner'Englishness that is more accessible? Or did the author simply do better or get more inspired?

The Coast of Summer
Excited to learn that in this book about sailing the coast of New England that the author also stops at the island my mom and dad lived in the RI area.
Liked hearing of the landmarks one sees from the water as we know them from the landside. Island hopping at its best.
What adventures! Love the tour of all the islands and what makes each special for fresh seafood, people met along the way, seashelling or just day tripping.
I received this book from National Library Service for my BARD (Braille Audio Reading Device).

The world has changed so much since this book was published, it almost seems like ancient history. But as a snapshot as to what the cold war felt like in the early eighties, you could do much worse than than seeking out a copy of this book.
The author starts at the top of the iron curtain and works his way south, most of the time spent in Germany peeking over the top of the curtain. Some time is spent in the east in Berlin, comparing the huge differences between the democracy of West Germany and the confining strictures of the east.

The writing is very entertaining, again, that world has for the most part disappered, but is an important reminder of how we lived and the fears we had for three decades or more.

BTW, Ronald Regan did not tear down that wall, for an excellent overview of what actually happened I refer you to Michael Meyrs The Year That Changed The World.

(#23 in the 2007 book challenge)

This memoir was cute in a quiet sort of way. As a young boy, the author was one of the children evacuated out of England during WWII and sent to live with a volunteer host family in Ohio. There, he has adventures such as having a paper route, dressing up like pilgrims and indians at school, and going to summer camp. The whole thing is very mild and apparently he was the most resilient little boy in the world because he seemed to take to his interrupted life like a fish to water. He obviously feels very fondly about his host family -- they stayed very involved with him even after his return to England -- and his story feels very much like a sincere gesture of gratitude to them.

Grade: B
Recommended: Mostly if you have a particular interest in children during the war, or possibly in Dayton, Ohio. Otherwise, the lack of anything happening will be strongly noticed. It is very sweet, but honestly, nothing happens.