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"A Life of Picasso: The Triumphant Years, 1917-1932" by John Richardson Finally the long-awaited third volume of John Richardson's definitive biography of Pablo Picasso is available in hardcover for $40. The critical astuteness, exhaustive research and accessible narrative that made the first two volumes such a pleasure to read are present here as well. The author guides the reader from 1917 through the '20s and up until the summer of 1932 and his triumphant retrospective in Paris confirming the artist as the leader of the modern movement. The first two volumes are available in trade paperback at $30 each. - Mimi Beman, Mitchell's Book Corner Nantucket Bookworks 25 Broad Street, 228-4000 "How To Talk About Books You Haven't Read" by Pierre Bayard If you've ever entered a discussion of a book you haven't read, or felt uncomfortable meeting an author of same, Bayard, a professor of literature at the University of Paris and a psychoanalyst, gives you reasons to chime in without being found out. His contention is that often the importance of reading (or not reading) a book is understanding where the book's story or info fits into the culture as a whole and not in the specifics of its content. He offers examples of the tactics used in faking it, some from his own life. In footnotes, he gives his connection to every book he mentions - HB (haven't heard of book), for example, or SB (skimmed book) to ++ (very good opinion of book) or - (moderately negative opinion) - that can be very amusing. He's not lying, I don't think, but he's read a lot more than he's letting on. You come to see what he's saying: reading and talking about books is more complicated, mentally and socially, than you've thought. Finally, given the recent climate, whether you agree with him or despise him as another French intellectual jerk, you'll have fuel for your own argument, be entertained, and think about the process of reading a lot more. I've already read two-thirds of his book. And now, actually, you can talk about it without having read it at all.
"Cowboys & Octopus" by Jon Scieszka, Illustrated by Lane Smith The same pair that brought us "The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales" has created a collection of stories about the unlikely friendship between Cowboy and Octopus. Through silly situations, which reveal the unending patience of Octopus and the unpolished directness of Cowboy, Scieszka and Lane offer a few maxims about friendship. Mixed media collage illustrations add to the zany humor, accentuating the characters' diversity. This book suggests that perhaps friendship can flourish among those who are different, if nourished with the right amount of tolerance - Maggie Head, Nantucket Atheneum |
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