Art just isn't my thing, but by complete coincidence I saw Malkovich's Klimt the other day and have read this book about Gaudi. Two men of the same period, two men who now seem to make their period what it was. We see them as being part of a movement - Art Nouveau - but that seems after the fact to me, a little like, as Hadrian would say through Yourcenar, pulling at the facts, arranging them to one's satisfaction.

Each of them was utterly their own man, however much they were in the employ of others. Their development as artists, as far as I can see, is specific to each of them, not part of some commonality of the period.

Well. Maybe they do share one vital aspect. Malkovich is a dead ringer for both of them. He's done Klimt, maybe Gaudi is next. I guess it's the Victorian beard thing.

I have to say, the text of this book is as turgid as turgid could be. I was wondering if it is translated, though I don't see a translator acknowledged.

Nevertheless, the joining of opposites often resolves antimonies and this tendency towards mechanical expression seems to us to be more than an expression of a cold 'techical' side to Gaudi, rather his faith in evertyhing that was beautiful and divinely demonstrated.

No wonder Klimt hated art critics. ( )

If you intend to read Gaudi: A Biography by Gijs van Hensbergenthis book, be sure to obtain a copy of:

Gaudi by Pere Vivas (Photographer) published by Triangle books.

The photos are necessary to fully understand the biography.

If you prefer only one book, make it the Pere Vivas book. ( )

Antoni Gaudi i Cornet (1852 – 1926) was perhaps one of the most inventive architects of all time. His works were Seussian before Seuss was Seussian. The building he conceived, drafted, and had built have to be seen to be believed. From the Neo-gothic windows on the Palacio Episcopal de Astorga to the bulbous terraces on the Casa Mila, his innovations and additions to the field gave people a new interest in how buildings were made. His most significant work, the Basilica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, won’t be finished for another 12 to 14 years. Juan-Eduardo Cirlot’s Gaudi is a splendid look at the life, philosophy, and leaps of intuition that Gaudi experienced as one of the foremost designers of his time.

One of the most impressive things about Gaudi was his simplistic view of a complicated field. Man is a creature of nature, so his buildings must surround him in natural shapes. He was skilled in so many disciplines that he designed not only the main look of each of his buildings, but also created wrought-iron sculptures to surround them, the stained glass to adorn them, and the ceramic tiling to cover them. The illustrations in this volume are full color and absolutely incredible. It’s a short book, and the biography is a little thin, but the overall impression of his life and work are good enough to keep your interest. You’ll come for the facts and stay for the photos. A quick and delightful book. ( )