For Art's Sake

by W.O. Mitchell

Book by Mitchell, W O.

267 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

William Ormond Mitchell was an author of novels, short stories, and plays. He is best known for his 1947 novel Who Has Seen the Wind, which has sold close to a million copies in North America, and a collection of short stories, Jake and the Kid, which subsequently won the Stephen Leacock Award. Both of these portray life on the Canadian prairies where he grew up in the early part of the 20th century. He has often been called the Mark Twain of Canada for his vivid tales of young boys' adventures.

In 1973, Mitchell was made an officer of the Order of Canada.

Reviews

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful read as are all of Mitchell's novels. It seemed an obvious harking back to the real life art theft spree of my Education Psych professor in the 1970s. Art Ireland was a nicer guy and better teacher. All the characters were well developed and very believable. The narrative moved at a satisfying pace. We were treated to Mitchell's masterful use of language which was by turns earthy and etherial.

[Elaine Cougler · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Art's Sake by W.O.Mitchell is an interesting yet somewhat predictable novel, well written and diverse in its exploding of stereotypes. What a relief to see some of our venerable old generation with ingrained ideas of equality. But this is not the central theme of the book; rather, Mitchell explores the idea that art is for everyone. A worthwhile book.

[Mary Elizabeth Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time I read more of W. O. Mitchell and this book was fun if unlikely. But probably that's the point. Scenes of what I can only imagine is U of Calgary's Faculty of Fine Arts were too true to be good. A Canadian icon I have largely skipped.

[Loraxe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the characters in this book and I believe I will miss them now that I am finished.

[Debbie Hill]

I am guessing the year in which I read this book. Perhaps it's time to re-read it.

[Aya · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not at all what I expected from the author of who has seen the wind

Is it just me or do canadians write about traveling around a disproportionate amount

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always poignant with a bit of rebellion in there.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny, serious, happy, sad, irreverent, educational and very Canadian. I liked it a lot.
I made my husband read this because it was on our shelves unread and he had nothing new to read. I don't think he liked it much, I'll have to check with him again.

[Deborah Sowery-Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

can't say that i enjoyed this book. found it choppy & even confusing at times. but i stuck with it since mitchell is considered one of our great canadian writers. i could see this making an entertaining film.