Art books of many kinds can rescue readers from reading ruts. True Color tells the story of the man who originated Merriam-Webster Dictionary definitions for colors, using vivid comparisons such as begonia and scotch gray. A summer art reading list includes fiction, catalogs, photo books, and a graphic novel about stories themselves. Beach reads return with nature encouraging books outdoors. Recommendations include an essay collection by Megan O’Grady on art as necessary as air and a graphic novel capturing the magic of books. Museum mysteries focus on provenance research, authenticity, and psychological and market analysis, including The Case of the Disappearing Gauguin and provenance stories from the San Antonio Museum of Art.
"Whenever I'm stuck in a reading rut, I find that art books of any kind are the only ones that can rescue me. This time, it's Kory Stamper's True Color, a transfixing story about the man who originated Merriam-Webster Dictionary's definitions for colors. A begonia, for him, was "bluer than fiesta, and bluer and stronger than sweet william," and scotch gray was "duller than mermaid." What a mind."
"Hers is just one of the captivating titles on our summer art reading list, complete with fiction, catalogs, photo books, and a graphic novel about stories themselves. Check out the full pile below, and let me know what you're reading this summer by replying to this email. Titles, and tips for digging oneself out of a reading slump, are always welcome!"
"Beach reads are officially back, and it feels like nature is finally inviting us to bring our books outdoors again. In between your escapist fantasy novels and trendy memoirs, dip into an essay collection by critic Megan O'Grady on art as a necessity as vital as the air we breathe, or a graphic novel that captures the magic only books can wield."
"The Case of the Disappearing Gauguin is an art detective mystery, a behind-the-scenes look at provenance research, a psychological analysis, and a critical commentary on the art market. The provenance researcher must be a detective, figuring out alternative ways to get at information that major participants in the trade are often unwilling to disclose."
Read at Hyperallergic
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