Books

October 25, 2021

New Book Chronicles National Geographic Photographer’s Long Career of Split-View Ocean Images

What’s just below the ocean’s surface? In the wondrous images by National Geographic photographer David Doubilet, we get a glimpse into the world beneath the water. Known as the “Audubon of the sea,” Doubilet captures vivid sights that are a split view, simultaneously showing what’s happening atop the water as well as within it. The results are fascinating; a magenta jellyfish, for instance, blooms in the foreground, punctuated with a backdrop of tall pine trees.

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August 22, 2021

’Frida Kahlo: The Complete Paintings‘ Book Offers Powerful Retrospective on the Legend

Frida Kahlo is arguably the most well-known female artist of all time. Under the famous eyebrows and feminist reputation, she was also a political radical and a genre-straddling artist. Combining surrealism, magical realism, and an Indigenous Mexican artistic style, Kahlo's paintings are some of the most valued in museum collections around the world. A new tome from TASCHEN entitled Frida Kahlo.

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May 30, 2021

Herbals: Elegant Illustrated Manuscripts That Once Dominated Medicine

If you were sick in medieval times, how would you be treated? Likely with a “physick,” tonic, or salve. These medicines would often be prepared by local apothecaries, wise women, or savvy housewives. They were based on herbs and other ingredients, some of which may seem quite strange to those used to modern medicine. To cure a headache, you might try a concoction including bishopwort and garlic.

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May 8, 2021

Exquisite ‘Nature’s Palette’ Book is a Modern Revival of 19th Century Color Theory

Can you close your eyes and picture the color Berlin blue? Most people will not immediately know that among the many shades of blue, Berlin blue is the color of the Hepatica flower or the wings of a blue jay. Over centuries, artists and naturalists alike have shared an interest in the many varied hues to be found in the natural world—from Berlin blue to tile red.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.