The Best of Norman Rockwell

I've enjoyed the artistry of Norman Rockwell since I was a kid and he remains my favorite artist of all time. As a Christmas present, I was given THE BEST OF NORMAN ROCKWELL. The book is a collection of 100 different paintings and about 50 different sketches and studies selected by one of Rockwell's children, Thomas. Some of these sketches are from the Rockwell family's personal collection and have never been seen by the public before the publication of this book. The first section of the book contains the sketches. The rest of the book is divided into five sections delineating paintings by the decades they were published: 1910-1920, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, and the 1950s and 1960s are together. Some favorite public paintings such as "Triple Self Portrait", "Freedom of Speech", "Freedom of Worship", "Saying Grace", and "The Problem We All Live With" are found here, but there are also many illustrations in the book that I have never seen before. This book makes a great gift for any person who admires the art of Norman Rockwell. Also, since the book is mostly pictures, it also is a great tool to use to introduce children to visual arts and try to teach them an appreciation for the field. Finally, reading the book cover I learned something I never knew before: Thomas Rockwell, the "editor" of the book and Norman's son, is a young adult author most well known for writing the book HOW TO EAT FRIED WORMS.

For many years the art world shunned the 'illustrations' of artist Norman Rockwell, suggesting that his work was commercial and created for the sole purpose of public consumption. But the tables have turned. Rockwell's prodigious output (primarily for the covers of now defunct Saturday Evening Post Magazine) chronicled a time in America in the pre and post World War II tenor and captured the spirit of the country's citizens in humor, nostalgia, celebration and insight in a manner that in many ways held the country together. Rockwell's many paintings are generously sampled in Rockwell's son's fine book, sharing over 150 works by one of the finest draughtsman and commentators before the public. Now museums clamor for his works and touring shows reveal that Norman Rockwell was indeed a truly fine craftsman and poet. His paintings show life as we would have our memories believe it could be, was, or remembered. Many of the included works are now American icons, but it is the sharing of the less well-known works that makes this volume special. This is a fine monograph of an under appreciated artist whose time has come. It is a joy to read and share, and mixed with the nostalgia is the reassuring knowledge that times CAN change - a message we all need at present. Recommended. Grady Harp, December 05

This book showcases the best Norman Rockwell art. The art is presented in chronological order, showing art lovers the journey of Norman Rockwell's artistic creativity - from the whimsical art of his early years to his political commentaries in the 1960s. Definitely a good bang for your buck. Buy it!

This is my first Norman Rockwell artbook, and wow... after years of his inspiration I have to say this book gives one of the best Rockwell prints you can get out there.The pages are printed on excellent glossy photo paper, and the images are all vibrating. Some paintings are revised in photography, so you don't get the same old yellowish rusty image from the 1970s reference. If you simply is a Norman Rockwell fan or know someone who is a painter... I would say this book is the best there is. it contains a section of sketches - portraits, painting sketch, brainstorm ideas...etc. And the chapters are separated according to his years of career, from the early 1920s to the late 1960s...