BOOK REVIEW: ANIMAL – A Beastly Compendium by Rémi Mathis and Valérie Sueur-Hermel

BOOK REVIEW: ANIMAL – A Beastly Compendium by Rémi Mathis and Valérie Sueur-Hermel
Bloomsbury
November 2017
Hardcover, $54
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar

Art history

9/10

A fascinating collection of artistic renderings of animals real and mythical taken from the treasure trove of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France archives, it is debatable whether the true treasures herein are the preservation of the wonderful (and sometimes bewildering) art included, or the captivating text that accompany them.

The authors talk about the history of the pieces themselves, the techniques used to create them, the artists, and often of the beasts depicted by them.

The sheer scope of the work, and the historical significance and interesting content make this an amazing compendium that will enhance any coffee table by its presence – but the proof is in the work itself, as these examples will prove.

Category: Book Reviews