Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Collage, the scissors-and-paste technique of combining ready-made images, spread rapidly after its "discovery" in 1912 by Braque and Picasso, and expanded to become a major force in modern art. Rodari traces its growth from precursors in previous centuries through the various phases of Cubism, Futurism, Dadaism, Surrealism, Constructivism, and Abstract Expressionism. His point of view is that choice of materials influences the way art is read. Collage fits in with the artistic milieu of the 20th century, and is suited to express its questioning and iconoclastic spirit. Rodari, from Switzerland, is an art critic, a former director of the Musee de l'Elysee, and currently the editor-in chief of the Revue des Belle-Lettres. He is the author of many museum publications and articles in French. His style is scholarly but readable, and the translation by Michael Taylor is easy. The many color illustrations are clear and of excellent quality. There are a comprehensive and multilingual bibliography, and a detailed index. This work updates Herta Wescher's monumental volume, Collage (1968; CH, Feb '72). A handsome, well-written volume, highly recommended. -P. Brauch, Brooklyn College, CUNY