Art Nouveau, 1890-1914 by Paul Greenhalgh

It’s been a long weekend of family. That’s all I have to say.

As usual, I didn’t get any books for Christmas, so nothing to write about there. I did, however, get a few books for other people.

E had been wanting a book about Art Nouveau ever since we visited Vienna last fall. We were both taken with the amazing Art Nouveau architecture and décor everywhere we turned. Besides learning all about the Hapsburgs, we also learned about the turn of the century artistic movements, saw a lot of Gustav Klimt, and marveled in the gift shops over beautiful glass objects.

After some research, I came to the conclusion that Art Nouveau, 1890-1914 by Paul Greenhalgh was the definitive volume on the entire artistic movement. At $75, it may be the most expensive book I’ve ever purchased. It may also be the heaviest book I’ve ever purchased. It must be ten pounds, at least. Its 496 full color pages off the most exquisite photographs of paintings, furniture, and anything else that could have possibly been produced in the style. Surrounding the photographs is textual information detailing everything you could possibly need to know about them. This is no fluffy coffee-table book. This is academic.

I had E open this present last Friday, before we left for Los Angeles. Now that we’re home (ahh) he can really delve into it. Then he can design a new mantel for our fireplace in the Art Nouveau style. Another project to add to the list.

Art Nouveau, 1890-1914 by Paul Greenhalgh

Tags: book reviews art nouveau ViennaPaul Greenhalgh