Feeding the Eye: Essays

This woman knows how to write a book review! Most book reviews are rehashes of the book itself--a book report not a book review. Ann Hollander possesses a dazzling storehouse of knowledge about visual art and is able to bring far ranging comparisons to her reviews. Her style is a bit dry but always smooth and even both in praise and reproof. Her references and in-depth knowledge of her subjects caused me to purchase three more more books. Feeding the Eye is not always scintillating reading but is a book that need not be read all at once. Hollander's historical perception of dance, fashion, music and art makes one thirst for more from her. She is a woman that is well versed on many subjects. I would love to sit next to her at a dinner party and regale me with the stories of Coco Chanel and the little black dress....

This woman knows how to write a book review! Most book reviews are rehashes of the book itself--a book report not a book review. Ann Hollander possesses a dazzling storehouse of knowledge about visual art and is able to bring far ranging comparisons to her reviews. Her style is a bit dry but always smooth and even both in praise and reproof. Her references and in-depth knowledge of her subjects caused me to purchase three more more books. Feeding the Eye is not always scintlating reading but is a book that need not be read all at once. Hollander's historical perception of dance, fashion, music and art makes one thirst for more from her. She is a woman that is well versed on many subjects. I would love to sit next to her at a dinner party and regale me with the stories of Coco Chanel and the little black dress....

The art of seeing and the persistent human need for visual stimulation are the subjects of this group of book reviews and essays. Collections of articles are sometimes difficult to read straight through. These, however, are unified by Hollander's conviction that dance, film and fashion are the most distinctive art forms of the 20th century. Anyone interested in those subjects will find this book ideal. Again and again I found myself eager to explore the books that the author was discussing. As a book about books, this volume is a great success. A critic who can discuss art, fashion, film, dance and literature and offer creative comparisons betweem them is a national treasure in an age when most writers can only cover their own restricted turf.