The Art of Dora Carrington

Hill's The Art of Dora Carrington is quite an enjoyable read for those who would love to know details, both visual and otherwise, of this eccentric and talented woman. I first became interested in Carrington after watching the somewhat recent film of her life starring Emma Thompson. She had a convoluted and emotionally tormented life; fortunately she left behind some quite remarkable works to lend us a glimpse or two of it. Hill includes many examples of her work in color and black and white, along with photographs and letter doodles to supplement the text. Most of the book is well written--however sometimes she references paintings not included or a painting that you are not sure which she is talking about. Her comments sometimes entirely miss her previous point and organization is not its best. Despite these shortcomings, it is definitely worth the read to art historians like me, literary buffs, or people who like a good scandalous life or two, seen through the artist's eyes.