Women Who Read Are Dangerous

This is a beautifully illustrated book of "artwork" of women reading books. If you love art and books this is a great book for you. Also a wonderful gift for someone who appreciates art and books.

I have been collecting postcards or greeting cards that had images of women reading to be pictures of heaven on earth. This book is a treasure chest. I had no idea what a common or frequent topic for art it is. The reproductions are crisp and the colors are beautiful. I highly recommend it for any woman who considers any moments lost in a book to be the loveliest way to enjoy life.

If you're a reading woman, then you'll love this book. It combines 2 of my favorite past-times, reading and art appreciation, in a wonderful, unique way. Not only is there fantastic art, past and present, for you to enjoy looking at, but there is also an interesting commentary accompanying each painting, drawing, or photograph. These commentaries help you understand and fully appreciate the artwork on many different levels. There are discussions about different eras depicted through art, the role of women throughout the times, and analysis of symbols in the paintings to give you a well-rounded view of woman's place in society as represented through art. If these commentaries were not present, you could still enjoy the outstanding pictures in this book, but the commentaries are really fascinating and add tremendous value to your appreciation. And don't miss reading the introductory pages-- there's so much information there that is enjoyable. One of my favorites is a photo of Marilyn Monroe, in halter top and shorts, intently reading James Joyce. A great coffee table art book, but so much more, because you can also read it.

Featuring 200 beautiful color images of artwork from the Middle Ages to the present, Reading Women is a celebration of women's love of books as depicted in paintings and drawings. Each eye-catching illustration has a facing page offering a brief history of the art, and a smattering of critical interpretation by editor, educator, and author Stefan Bollman. A forward by award-winning author Karen Joy Fowler is the perfect final touch to this masterpiece collection, making Reading Women highly recommended for personal and community library artbook collections.