In a summer celebration of the many ways in which Reading Colors Our World, we cannot overlook the rich experiences offered by books dedicated to art. Whether illuminating technique, striking pictorials, historical context, tools for interpretation, or a fascinating palette of all, these volumes open our eyes to worlds both observed and imagined. Train your gaze upon these curated standouts from MPPL’s collection that works that merge visual and language.

The Art of Love: The Romantic and Explosive Stories Behind Art’s Greatest Couples by Kate Bryan

The Art of Love tells the stories of the most fascinating couples of the art world, exploring the passionate, challenging and loving relationships behind some of the world’s greatest works of art.

“Art of Love is an art piece itself.” ~Amazon.com review

Transatlantic Encounters: Latin American Artists in Paris Between the Wars by Michele Greet

The work of Latin American artists in interwar Paris receives overdue attention in this unprecedented survey, which highlights the artists’ significant role in the development of modernism.

“This book goes beyond the study of Latin American art to become a must-read for anyone interested in modern art in the first half of the twentieth century.” ~Katherine Manthorne

Postures: Body Language in Art by Desmond Morris

Never before given such dedicated attention, Postures argues that the gestures portrayed in a work of art can reflect the mores of a particular period in history, the customs of a certain culture, or a fashion in artistic styles.

“Accessible and enjoyable… Most effective when it uses art to draw attention to power dynamics and how behaviors can give insight into social structures.” ~Choice

The Art of Being Bill: The Many Faces of Awesome by Ezra Croft

The Art of Being Bill is the first illustrated collection of Bill Murray, highlighting the star like you’ve never seen him before: Bill Murray at The Last Supper, Bill Murray as an Indian god, Bill Murray as a knight, Bill Murray as Superman, and numerous other artistic tributes that will amuse and inspire you.

“When you see the cover of this paperback, showing a tattooed Bill Murray looking straight at you, your fingers itch to open it. And what a treat when you do.” ~TwinCities.com