Why did British industrial cities build art museums? By exploring the histories of the municipal art museums in Birmingham; Liverpool; and Manchester; Transformative Beauty examines the underlying logic of the Victorian art museum movement. These museums attempted to create a space free from the moral and physical ugliness of industrial capitalism. Deeply engaged with the social criticism of John Ruskin; reformers created a new; prominent urban institution; a domesticated public space that not only aimed to provide refuge from the corrosive effects of industrial society but also provided a remarkably unified secular alternative to traditional religion. Woodson-Boulton raises provocative questions about the meaning and use of art in relation to artistic practice; urban development; social justice; education; and class. In todays context of global austerity and shrinking government support of public cultural institutions; this book is a timely consideration of arts policy and purposes in modern society.
#183875 in eBooks 2012-02-01 2012-02-01File Name: B0073VZIOW
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Good SummationBy EvieI have always loved Nina Simone. as an artist. I am such a huge fan. I often wonder why her music affects me so deeply. Realistically. I dont think she has such a "great voice". but it reaches me still. I wouldnt have it any other way. for the types of music she expresses. Needless to say. I bought both books on her life. This one and the autobiography which she put together. "Princess Noire" really explained who and why she was the way she was. I had known of Ninas temperamental outbursts at times when performing; this book really explained why. I was very surprised. I really enjoyed this book. and highly recommend it for all her fans. I must add. that with all her faults I still love Nina!!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A terrific singer gets a deep and readable biographyBy markmarymnontNina Simone was a brilliant singer. but. to say the least. could be very difficult to deal with. Part of it. of course. was the grief that any black performer of her generation encountered. She wanted to be a classical pianist but was relegated to playing clubs in Philadelphia when she was unable to get into the musical conservatory of her choice. Cohadas. who has also written terrificbooks on the history of Chess Records and the biography of Dinah Washington. offers another excellent story of a troubled but wonderful singer. writer and pianist.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Norman S.Wonderful and meticulously research. this book is a treat.
