American Gothic: The Biography of Grant Wood's American Masterpiece

While it could be considered a flawed book that was cheaply produced, Hoving's ideas and insights are more than bright enough to overcome any mistakes. Walking us through his method of appraising a work of art, the reader learns what to look for and how to draw their own conclusions and interpretations. I learned an art historian's approach varies to that of the critic and the public is better for abiding both points of view. Hoving believes American Gothic is a masterpiece and he make an explicit case and raises Wood up as an original artist, perhaps an under appreciated talent. I would recommend this book and contrast it with Steven Biel's excellent book on American Gothic. Both authors appreciate American Gothic without pretense.

While I agree about the typos and bad photo reproduction (which are the publisher's fault, not the author's), the insights to this famous painting, the reactions to it, and Grant Wood himself make for some excellent text. It's a very quick and fun read.