At last, John Curry has a book in print worthy of his art. Ms. Junker has suceeded in paying a noble yet sadly overdue tribute to this unique and often neglected artist. Curry's paintings capture the emotion and natural force of American scenes in a way that was very much his own. Works like "Tornado over Kansas" and the scene of John Brown in "A Tragic Prelude" embody some of the greatest expressions of conflict to be found in American art.

This is a truly lovely book: beautifully produced in paper-back with quality materials (so a joy to handle), interesting and insightful commentaries written in styles that aren't bound up by artistic jargon, and a wonderful, comprehensive collection of images in colour, put in meaningful order. I highly recommend it.

JOYCE TREIMAN. The name holds very special memories for those who have experienced this gifted artist of the last century either in person or in her drawings and paintings that grace the walls of the important museums in this country. This Monograph is one of the most eloquent books in print about an artist of our time. Though Joyce Treiman died in 1991 her contribution to the arts in America lives on and this lushly illustrated and informative book serves as a reminder of the degree of talent she embodied.

Joyce Treiman was both a draughtsman, an iconoclast, and a painter of such dexterity and creativity that even today she remains 'unclassifiable'. Painting in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, when figuration was considered retrogressive, Joyce Treiman painted magnificent canvases that paid homage to Eakins, Sargent, Bonnard, Tiepolo, and Rembrandt - all with a flare for homage and tongue-in-cheek wry humor. Her later paintings almost always included an element of self portraiture and it is this aspect of her style which gifts the art students of today with a sublime example of 'The Painter's Progress'.

The essays in this magnum opus are erudite and entertaining. Theodore F. Wolff writes lovingly of Treiman's life and talent while Michael Duncan details admiration for a woman who just went about her art of painting without regard to varying styles or schools. Terrific examples of Treiman's drawings are interspersed with drawings by the masters to show the influences on her evolving technique. The plates of her paintings are color-true and plentiful. And the book includes an extensive biography and exhibition section.

This is a magnificent volume on art of the 20th Century and for Treiman's cadre of devotees it is a heartwarming tribute. For those unfamiliar with her work, it is a startlingly fine introduction. Highly Recommended!

I have spent a lot of time gathering smooth, waterworn stones along beaches and streams, and have always loved their graceful rounded shapes, and their setting, the way they settle with each other. Alan Magee captures this feeling perfectly. Looking at his book, no one can believe these are paintings. Trompe l'oeile, fool the eye painting of the 19th century, comes to mind - and he does a few paintings in that style. But those paintings are ultra-natural, ultra precise. His do not call attention to their precision. All you see is his subject. Can you act natural? Can you lay out a garden, or leaves, or stones so that they look natural? I've looked at a lot of stones, and I could not lay out actual stones in as natural a setting as he sets them in his paintings. Look for this book!

An excellent retrospective of the work of John Wilde as he achieves his eightieth year.Ranking as one of Wisconsins, and indeed the Nations major artists, Wilde has always commanded respect among a fervid group of collectors and artists.The book is handsomely illustrated with 104 full page color plates dating from his earliest years to the present. Wildes forte of Magic Realism done with perfect draughtsmanship shows that there are no old masters, only masters.For all who enjoy nature and nudes, astounding juxtapositions and above all, fine art meticulously done, the book will be a pleasant surprise. A large book, well made, well illustrated and a welcome addition to the art lovers library.