British Art: A Walk Round the Rusty Pier

by Julian Freeman

Julian Freeman's 16 essays on British Art turn the subject on its head and its side, and—without formally pretending to reassess it—give it a good shaking. Skating across the better part of 500 years, the book's choices of subject are unapologetic, and the ideas move in directions they don't usually go. Moving at full tilt or more sedately, the text always stays within reach of the popular reader. Like his successful first books, A Crash Course and Design (in the same series), British Art is both provocative and affectionate. Freeman's text moves from discursive commentaries on the art of the British Isles to consider other matters, including spirituality, the business of exhibiting, and the weather. It's picky. It can't cover everything, but when it takes its aim, it's unerring.

Genres: Art

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julian Freeman really engages you in the subject and ensures that this is a great introduction even for a lay man such as myself. Witty and informative, his writing brings a humorous twist to what could be a very dry subject. It's also a very beautiful book to have on your shelf.