"Diversity" is a word that has taken on some rather unfortunate political baggage of late; but it's still something of great value in its proper context. This book has that: a vast group of artists with an immensely varied way of looking at the human figure. I never had any idea there were so many different ways of looking at the human form, and I feel I am richer for its knowledge.
I hate this book! The artists whose works are presented here constitute a rather amazing group; Albert Watson, Edward Weston, Joyce Tenneson, Robert Mapplethorpe, Dirk Karsten, John Swannell, Ferenc Berko, Christian Vogt, Peter Baumann, Terence Donovan, Francois Gillet, Volkmann, Christina Hope, Ron Baxter Smith. Did I leave any out? Scores... Acquiring many of these artist's works has severely drained my bank account; my search for works by artists I could not find has driven me to madness - and all because of this stupid book. If all you are looking for is one good book of the human form (yes - nude) then this is certainly a great one. If you're simply looking for a place to start, to get a handle on all that's out there, then this book makes for an excellent reference. Who said great art is dead?
NOTE TO THE PUBLISHER: WE WANT THIS BOOK IN HARDCOVER - PLEEEEEEEEEASE! None of this special order $#?& !
Thank you for your time...