Customer Reviews (2)

customers beware...
...and take notice that this book has a total of 352 pages, of which :206 (plus an 18-page introduction) are pure text; 123 are black and white illustrations; and only 8 (eight) color plates, most of well known andwidely reproduced artworks by FMB, such as "work","pretty-baa lambs" and "the last of England". If youare expecting a lavishly illustrated volume, you'll be as disappointed as Iam, thus the low rating I have given. It is my personal opinion, and by nomeans I am judging the essay by Mr. Bendiner, which I have not read; forthis you can read the review below.

a subtle and overdue study
F.M. Brown is one of the most fascinating, but neglected, artists of thenineteenth century. A book which takes his art seriously is long overdue.While some of the judgements contained here are arguable, there can be nodoubt that Bendiner has done Brown justice. His comments are always subtle,alert to the ambiguities and complexities of Brown's approach. Bendiner haschosen to organise the book thematically, dividing it into chapters onBrown's 'Archaism', 'Humour', Realism', 'Aestheticism' and 'SocialConscience'. This approach has its problems, especially as the reader hasto piece together Bendiner's thoughts on particular paintings, which may bescattered across the chapters. Sometimes it leads to diffuse commentary onimportant issues. Nevertheless, the approach has the advantage thatBendiner can emphasise the artistic principles of Brown's work overall -very important in Brown's case as critics have too often dismissed his artas 'illustrative'. Perhaps the best points are made in the openingchapters, that on the 'social conscience' can be weak, especially as itattempts to downplay the influence of Carlyle, a writer whose stylisticmethods were very important to Brown - as is now increasingly recognised.The appenices containing Brown's own quirky commentaries on his paintingsis a welcome addition to the text. ... Read more