Although Coleridges thinking and writing about the fine arts was both considerable and interesting; this has not been the subject of a book before. Coleridge owed his initiation into art to Sir George Beaumont. In 1803-4 he had frequent opportunities to learn from Beaumont; to study Beaumonts small but elegant collection and to visit private collections. Before leaving for Malta in April 1804; Coleridge wrote "I have learnt as much fr[om] Sir George Beaumont respecting Pictures Painting and Paint[ers as] I ever learnt on any subject from any man in the same Space of Time." In Italy in 1806; Coleridges experience of art deepened; thanks to the American artist Washington Allston; who taught him to see the artistic sights of Rome with a painters eye. Coleridge also visited Florence and Pisa; and later said of the frescoes in Pisas Camp Santo: "The impression was greater; I may say; than that any poem ever made upon me." Back in England; Coleridge visited London exhibitions; country house collections; and even artists studios. In 1814; both Coleridge and Allston were in Bristol--Coleridge lecturing; Allston exhibiting. Coleridges "On the Principles of Genial Criticism" began as a defense of Allstons paintings but became a statement about all the arts. This book; an important contribution to Coleridges intellectual biography; will make readers aware of a dimension of his thinking that has been largely ignored until now.
#1740917 in eBooks 2009-04-30 2009-04-30File Name: B001PGXEDS
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A monumental trilogyBy RoselovrI am posting this review in three places because these are three 5-star books that I believe should all be read in conjunction: Bayreuth - A History of the Wagner Festival; by Frederic Spotts; Wagner and the Art of the Theater; by Patrick Carnegy; and The Wagner Clan; by Jonathan Carr. All three tell a story about the same time period; each from a different point of view; so that having read all three you have a multi-dimensional view of essentially the same topic. What makes each book outstanding in its own right and even more worthwhile when read together is the historical; political and social perspective that the authors incorporate in each book. Since no one comes to the subject of Wagner without preconceived notions I cannot say that each book isnt without its biases; however regardless of your point of view before you read these books they will provide insight and perspective.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Chatty!! Gossipy!!By MADELEINE N. TIKTINThis little gem not only has interesting photographs of the Wagner "Clan;" but also reads like "The Enquirer--" fun and with verse that has verve.I enjoyed it!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ExcellentBy GuiraudExcellent book; well written with many interesting stories which are not so well known. Fascinating explanations of the politics involved with the music and the family.
