Sister Wendy's Book of Muses

by Wendy Beckett

The British nun and world-renowned art expert celebrates the patron goddesses of the arts in a richly illustrated study that captures the nine muses and their protector, Apollo, and features the author's personal reflections on the complexities of human nature and creativity.

48 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2000

About the author

Sister Wendy Beckett was a South African-born British art expert, Roman Catholic nun, and contemplative hermit who became an unlikely celebrity during the 1990s, presenting a series of acclaimed art history documentaries for the BBC.

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Sister Wendy. If you have seen her on PBS, you will know, this Nun is awesome. She brings to life painting and art through the ages and my appreciation has expanded tremendously through her works.

[stephanie suh · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a lover of Greek mythology and also a fan of sister Wendy's delightful world of art appreciation, the content of this book will endear it to you: each of the Nine Muses is shown in a beautiful ceramic figurine with a description of the accordant muse. These Nine Muses are: Kalliope (Calliope), epic poetry; Kleio (Clio), history; Ourania (Urania), astronomy; Thaleia (Thalia), comedy; Melpomene, tragedy; Polymnia (Polyhymnia), religious hymns; Erato, erotic poetry; Euterpe, lyric poetry; and Terpsikhore (Terpsichore), choral song and dance. Through the Nine Muses, we seek inspiration from outside to invoke our artistic spheres from within. The gem of this book of Muses is sister Wendy's insightful narrative of the names and attributes of the Muses in the context of regarding the realm of human intellect and arts. This is a very lovely book filled with beautiful photos of the Muses and the author's personal reflections on human nature and creativity.

[Jan1243 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely little book on the Greek inspirational muses and their place in art and the mind of man.