Grant Wood's Iowa

by Wende Elliott, William Rose

Be transported into the private and cherished world of this celebrated American icon with tour of Grant Wood's home state.. Grant Wood, Iowa native, iconic Regionalist American artist, certainly left his mark on his home state. Wood’s American Gothic is one of America’s most recognizable paintings, his boyhood home is a registered landmark, and collections of his work grace museums far and near. Now you can tour his state with five itineraries that provide a detailed exploration of the historical context for his work. Grant Wood’s Iowa explores his role in the art world with self-guided museum tours, detailed discussions of specific works, information on the finest lodging and dining in the state, and, finally, “green” travel options, including rural bed and breakfasts, restaurants offering local organic menus, nightlife with local artists, and nature hikes to experience the landscape that inspired Wood. You’ll be transported into the private and cherished world of this celebrated American icon. Full-color illustrations throughout

138 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2013

Reviews

[Molaan Mosell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It provided so much information. As I somehow got obsessed with the painter after reading a biography, I decided to go on a Grant Wood pilgrimage in Iowa. I travelled to Ames, Cedar Rapids, and the local Des Moines Art Center to see his various works. I went and saw the American Gothic House located in the middle of nowhere, but somehow only miles from Maharishi University in southern Iowa. I attended a symposium at the University of Iowa. This book was indispensable. It provided places, addresses, phone numbers, driving directions, and fascinating information about the painter.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great idea! Some lovely illustrations and guides to where to see Wood's work. Some good information. But SO POORLY written! Terrible historical and biographical writing. Plus, woefully out of date in attitudes. Witness this quotation: "His personal life has been the object of continual inquisition, with suggestions of sexual deviance and repression. The climate of the Midwest of his time did not allow for sexual experimentation, and the strict covenants of marriage went against the grain of many bohemian artists..." REALLY?!! You wrote that trenchant analysis of sexuality in 2013?! REALLY?! I am not impressed, and I'm sorry that anyone else will have to read this. Oh, and the yellow paper, though correct in tone to Wood's work, makes the text super hard to read!