The Nude in Art - due 2011

The nude figure represents one of the most complex artistic motifs there is, and is one that cannot fail to challenge or stir the spectator, regardless of apparent impartiality. The nude has at one time or another been representative of virtually every facet of human emotion or expression, from the conventional to the bizarre, and from devotion to abhorrance. It is a single motif that is, or can be, all things to every person, and it is this extraordinary range of possibilities and affinities, from crippling self consciousness to bombastic bravado, that makes is so compelling.

It is a subject of such tremendous scope that to whittle an account into a single volume seems presumptious at best and inadequate at worst. This is perhaps the very reason that there are so comparatively few books devoted to the subject in print, with a notable exception being The Nude, by Kenneth Clark, first published in 1956. But even Clark, the doyen of Art History failed to cover all aspects of the subject in his book.

I certainly make no claims to 'out do' Clark, but what I have done in The Nude in Art, is to produce as rounded and comprehensive account of the nude as possible, taking into consideration the history of the subject, changing perceptions of nudity, different cultural attitudes towards nudity and the motivation, intent and purpose of the artists who create nude images. As part of this general overview of the subject I have also addressed the more contentious aspects of the nude looking at the increasingly fine line that separates the erotic from the pornographic, and unpalatable subjects such as the nude child in art, the dead nude and misogynistic representations.

The Nude in Art presents a modern account of this most important subject matter, exploring the nude from pre-history to the changing perceptions, and at times challenging, representations of the nude by twentieth and twenty-first century artists.

Fifty Paintings You Should Know

This is the latest title in Prestel's popular series of art books, and is a book I have co-authored with Kristina Lowis. The book offers an indepth look at fifty of the greatest paintings in wesern art, and has been beautifully put together by the publishers. It is geared towards the middle market, and is an easy read that explains the paintings and places them within the context of their times. This is a definite must have for any art lover's shelves.

Van Gogh

This book is one from the World's Greatest Art series, and presents an overview of the artist's life set against the cultural times of his day. His works, both major and minor are discussed in some detail, with references also given to other similar works by different contemporary artists. The book is lavishly presented, and yet remains totally affordable, and is a useful and informative addition to any history of art library.

Impressionism

This is another from the World's Greatest Art series, and outlines the works of the major and minor Impressionist painters, placing them within the context of their times, and contemporary events. It provides a general overview of one of art's most famous periods, and is an absolute must have for any art lover.

Turner, Whistler, Monet

The life and works of these three giants of art history are brought together in this fascinating book, which is also part of the World's Greatest Art series. The book discusses the three in terms of their influence on each other, and on their contemporaries and subsequent art movements. As with this series of books, contemporary events and the work of other artists is also considered. The book was written and published to conincide with the groundbreaking exhibition of their work at Tate Britain in 2005.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh

Mackintosh was arguably one of Scotland's greatest and most innovative designers, artists and architects, and this book explores his life and work in some detail. It is one of the World's Greatest Art series and includes numerous beautifully reproduced images. The book also addresses the work of Margaret, his wife, and the extent of her influence on him, which was quite considerable. It is an essential reference book for any person interested in this period of art, or in art and design in general.

1001 Paintings You Must See Before You Die

I was a contributing author to this work, which is a fantastic reference book for any art enthusiast, and is one of a series of '1001' books.

1001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die

I was also a contributing author to this work, which includes some of the most spectacular buildings in the world. It is an essential reference book for any art library.

501 Great Artists

This is another useful compilation work to which I contributed, and is a valuable and interesting art resource for students and public alike.

501 Great Writers

Again, I contributed to this fascinating book, which brings together the 501 most notable writers in the world.