John Ruskin (1819ndash;1900) was the most prominent art and architecture critic of his day. His books; pamphlets and letters to the press had an influence on all classes of society; from road-menders to royalty; and he still maintains a popular reputation today; though he is remembered less for his views than for his failed marriage to Efï¬e Gray; who left him for the Pre-Raphaelite artist John Everett Millais. Frequently imagined as a Victorian prude; there was far more to Ruskin than this derisory description suggests. John Ruskin shows us how Ruskinrsquo;s ideas gave a moral character to art; architecture and the Picturesque and reveals how and why his reputation endures. Ruskinrsquo;s devoted parents were convinced that their son was a genius and encouraged him to write about the moral and spiritual value of art rather than his other major passion; geology. While his parents lived Ruskin wrote his best works: Modern Painters; The Seven Lamps of Architecture; The Stones of Venice and Unto This Last. After they died Ruskin seemed lost until he put himself in the hands of a younger cousin; Joan Severn; who guarded his reputation while his mental capacities declined; beyond the public gaze; in the Lake District.This book weaves Ruskinrsquo;s life and work into a fascinating narrative about Victorian society: Ruskin understood art; its beauty and wonder; as a solution to the miseries of the urban poor and the key to living a worthwhile life. Offering fresh readings of Ruskinrsquo;s major texts; this is an engaging biography of the artistrsquo;s life and times.
#1365925 in eBooks 2015-09-21 2015-09-21File Name: B0150SBXPM
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Rad. Lovely ReadBy L.E.I loved this book and want to share my experience with it. My book club selects what to read based on member "pitches" for book/party ideas - i.e.. selecting food. music. and party themes that go with the book. Red Velvet Underground was our Mothers Day book club selection. We all brought dishes made using recipes from the book. played 90s indie rock and did our best to scrounge up something 90s-grungey to wear. The book inspired wonderful conversation about our moms. our kids. our food memories and our relationships. That is what the book is about. It describes a unique path and a rad girl. yes - a tale of unplanned opportunity and a decidedly cool road less traveled. But it is also about the simple things in life that we all love. about which we all have a story. Cooking. food. love. music. family. and heartwarming traditions old and new. I felt a particular connection to the book because I came of age in that same place and time. but others in our club from various backgrounds and eras were also touched and connected and loved talking about the simple things described in the book. The more senior members of the club were initially skeptics but ultimately fans.So. my recommendation - dont just READ the book. Read the book. try the recipes. and have a party. Use the party as a special opportunity to talk about the things you love in life with people you love and/or want to know better. Hug your neighbor. Talk about the 90s - they were fun.Or just read the book. And try the strawberry cream scone recipe - it is so simple and good!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Rockin Memoir with Recipes a Delicious DishBy ColemanI thoroughly enjoyed this rather unique book: a rock n roll memoir ... with recipes!! The authors writing draws you right in as it is very personal. She weaves together stories of her upbringing. her rock n roll career. her relationships and then ultimately the family shed form. her love of things in the kitchen. and her efforts as a parent to encourage healthy cooking and eating to her kids. If you have a teenager. and youre hoping they have a few skills in the kitchen and will eat healthy going forward. this is a great book to read. The recipes look to be real keepers. Get the paperback to read and then store it on your kitchen shelf. Its on my shelf now.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A deliciously written treatBy CarolineI cant stop talking about this book to everyone I see. It is deliciously written. seamlessly blending topics of motherhood. music. growing up and of course lots of food. She discusses her childhood in the 70s. high school in the 80s. the indie rock life she lived in the 90s. parenthood and more of the 00s. I devoured this book in a couple of days and I hope to find more books one day from this delightful talent. Freda Love Smith. I even started in with one of her recipes yesterday. Whether you know of her from her indie music background or not. there is so much to be taken from this book.
