Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 3-5. This handsome, oversize volume introduces the life and art of Toulouse-Lautrec. His childhood, the disease that stunted the growth of his legs, and his decision to study art in Paris begin the text, which goes on to discuss the nightlife in Montmartre, the young man's talent, his hard work, and his growing reputation. In his brief lifetime, his posters for the Moulin Rouge became renowned not just as advertising but also as art. Burleigh relates the facts in a way that is comprehensible to children, without talking down to them. He seamlessly incorporates information about the people portrayed in the pictures and the style of the art into the narrative account of the artist's life. The book's format allows for many illustrations, including period photos and paintings of Paris by artists such as Pissarro and Renoir, which are cleverly mingled with reproductions of Toulouse-Lautrec's arresting drawings, paintings, and lithographs, many in color. Together, they give a sense of the excitement that was Paris. Back matter includes a bibliography and an author's note. A beautifully designed book that provides a lively, accessible introduction to the artist's life and work. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2005 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Toulouse-Lautrec: The Moulin Rouge and the City of Light by Robert Burleigh tells the life of the artist who, at age 13, was stricken with a disease that left his bones weakened, resulting in the dwarf-like appearance that made him identify so with the performers of Montmartre. Reproductions of his drawings, paintings and famous lithographs plus period photographs bring the artist's story vividly to life. (Mar.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-This short, vividly illustrated book is an excellent addition to the recent spate of artist biographies such as Jonah Winter's Frida (Scholastic, 2002), James Warhola's Uncle Andy's (Putnam, 2003), Michael Garland's Dinner at Magritte's (Penguin, 1995), and M. T. Anderson's Strange Mr. Satie (Viking, 2003). These excellent art-history primers afford respect and offer historical perspective to subjects who were misunderstood during their own lifetimes. This biography is no different. Burleigh confidently celebrates Lautrec's work and skill and allows readers to shake hands with the man as a great artist rather than as a fixture in Parisian nightlife. Not only does the book feature Lautrec's paintings in many mediums (watercolors, drawings, oil paintings, graphite), but it also includes large, clear photographs of Lautrec, his circle of friends, and Paris at the turn of the 19th century. The text is written in a brisk, conversational tone and includes anecdotes, asides, and rhetorical questions that serve to make the artist's life vivid, relevant, and even a little hip. The size of the book is also a plus as it allows room for large reproductions of Lautrec's work.-Steev Baker, Kewaskum Public Library, WI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Published to coincide with a major exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, this volume focuses primarily on Toulouse-Lautrec's fascination with Paris's nightlife and his friendships and professional relationships with its performers. Biography and art analysis are equally balanced. The book's generous size allows for many detailed reproductions, and its dynamic design, inspired by Toulouse-Lautrec's own posters, enhances the presentation. Bib. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
