... Peacock and Vine: Fortuny and Morris in life and at work
"An alluring and atmospheric enquiry into the creative impulse -- as seen through the work and lives of Mariano Fortuny and William Morris -- by one of our greatest novelists. This ravishing little book, glowing with colour and generously illustrated throughout, opens a window on to the lives, passions and designs of two great artists a generation apart, William Morris and Mariano Fortuny. Inspired by a vision of the aquamarine light of Venice balancing Morris's green English countryside, A.S. Byatt delves into the world-transforming magic of their art, asking what fired them, how they lived and worked and how each man's art mirrors and confronts the other. A.S. Byatt combines her brilliant gift for character and place with a deep understanding of the craft, and the combination of profound ideas and sensual delight that make the art of Morris and Fortuny endure -- a ghostly presence outside time. "Peacock and Vine" is a work of art in itself -- the perfect present to give, to keep, to ponder over and to treasure."
A.S. Byatt has just been named as the winner of the prestigious Erasmus Prize.
Oooooh. Yes!
Posted by: pamela | 18 January 2016 at 05:06 PM
Gone straight onto my "Most Wanted" list.
Posted by: Fran H-B | 18 January 2016 at 05:15 PM
This will make a lovely companion for my visit to the Palazzo Fortuny in Venice next month - irresistible! Thank you. I hadn't heard of it.
http://fortuny.visitmuve.it/en/mostre-en/mostre-in-corso-en/winter-at-palazzo-fortuny-2015/2015/10/16117/henriette-fortuny-a-silent-muse/
Posted by: Freda | 18 January 2016 at 06:29 PM
Pre-ordered!
Thank you for letting us know about this.
Posted by: Toffeeapple | 18 January 2016 at 06:30 PM
Oops! It doesn't come out until July! I can wait..
Posted by: Freda | 18 January 2016 at 06:31 PM
We visited the Fortuny atelier in Venice which I can highly recommend. It was quite possible to imagine oneself drifting around the rooms in a ravishing silk dress.
Posted by: Alice C | 18 January 2016 at 08:50 PM
This looks gorgeous! And so happy about Byatt winning the Erasmus prize. Well-deserved.
Posted by: Lisa Guidarini | 19 January 2016 at 01:40 AM
This book sounds delightful.
Posted by: Terra | 19 January 2016 at 03:55 AM