Art in Florida: 1564-1945

Rating:
Summary: Florida's artistic past
Review: For the first time Florida's important art history has been captured and documented for the world to enjoy. From the first Europena artist, Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues, who arrived in 1564, until the end of the second world war, "Art in Florida" guides the reader through a unique gallery of works never before seen in one place. The book is beautifully bound and ofers 160 illustrations of Florida art, 100 in color. The paintings were gathered from public and private collections all over the country. Mann spent years painstakingly searching through vast amounts of matrial in order to write a history of Florida art. "Art in Florida" is history not only of Florida's arts but also of its people. The spirit captured in this volume remains vibrantly alive in Florida today, to be discovered and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Rating:
Summary: Florida's artistic past
Review: For the first time Florida's important art history has been captured and documented for the world to enjoy. From the first Europena artist, Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues, who arrived in 1564, until the end of the second world war, "Art in Florida" guides the reader through a unique gallery of works never before seen in one place. The book is beautifully bound and ofers 160 illustrations of Florida art, 100 in color. The paintings were gathered from public and private collections all over the country. Mann spent years painstakingly searching through vast amounts of matrial in order to write a history of Florida art. "Art in Florida" is history not only of Florida's arts but also of its people. The spirit captured in this volume remains vibrantly alive in Florida today, to be discovered and enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Rating:
Summary: State of the Art of the Art of the State
Review: Maybelle Mann's reader-friendly Art in Florida 1564-1945 contextualizes painting through the state's social history which, after all, gave rise to the imagery. Ms. Mann has done a service to those of us who are interested in art and in Florida. Although I am a "native" Floridian and documentary photographer who has done much work throughout the state, I quickly realized that Art in Florida is not a regional book. Everyone, it seems, has some connection to Florida through relatives, a pilgrimage to Disney World, or dreams about tropical breezes and swaying palm trees (especially during winter). Yet with the necessary exception of chapter 7, "Travel Tracts in the Late 1800s," there are no traces of blatent commercialism or kitsch in Ms. Mann's admirably researched book. The focus on regionalism serves as an antidote to the stereotypes of Florida. This is a serious book that is delightful to read. Art in Florida, finely designed and printed, presents wonderful paintings and illuminating text and is clearly a definitive contribution.

Rating:
Summary: Florida is more than Disney and early bird specials
Review: What a wonderful book. Every state should be so lucky. Later day Florida is so Disney World and early bird specials that it is a joy to be reminded of the rich culture of its long hstory. The writing is so direct and clear. The book really grabs. I love it.

Rating:
Summary: Florida is more than Disney and early bird specials
Review: What a wonderful book. Every state should be so lucky. Later day Florida is so Disney World and early bird specials that it is a joy to be reminded of the rich culture of its long hstory. The writing is so direct and clear. The book really grabs. I love it.