Art, compiled by Shaun Usher. Pub 2020
I chose this book in order to satisfy the languishing category of “art” for this year’s list. This little book of letters was delightful but very light. I think perhaps that artists – especially painters and sculptors – are not especially good writers. The best letters here are those from Oscar Wilde (of course), Martin Scorsese, and Frida Khalo (which I imagined being read by Salma Hayak). The letters show artists in not-the-best light, as petty or petulant, with lots of complaints and very little collaboration. I’m sure these are selected to be entertaining in that way, but I didn’t find that I learned much about art or the artists here.
The Letters of Note books have evolved into compendiums like this one and the Letters Live events, where letters are “read” or rather acted out. Those that I’ve seen are very entertaining and moving and thoughtful. Perhaps, like poetry, they are better aloud.
But now the art category is done. 🙂
Fate: another one for the little book library.
20 – a one-word title
31 – history
32 – art
36 – part of a series
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