Aubrey Beardsley: A Catalogue Raisonne: A Catalogue Raisonné (The Association of Human Rights Institutes series)

A beautiful set of two large books of very high quality. Thoroughly researched, including many works I've never seen before, this is a "must" for any Beardsley fan. Not cheap, but well worth the price. Very recommended.

These two volumes in a stout card case are extremely comprehensive in content. Together they are very heavy and each is quite heavy on its own. I will confess I have not read it from to cover and have nothing to compare it with so can't add much more. But a beautiful set, a wonderful addition to any library !!

Simply stunning!

Best text available anywhere in the world on Aubrey Beardsley!! 5 stars and plus

Linda Zatlin’s ‘Aubrey Beardsley: A Catalogue Raisonne’ has been very well worth the long wait. If you have any interest in the work of Aubrey Beardsley – this is not just something unique and special, it’s remarkable.I have been eagerly anticipating its publication for many years. Having worked on complicated book projects myself over the years I have nothing but respect for all who are part of this particular fine project – the publisher, printer, designer (all brilliantly designed by Emily Lees) and of the course the quality writing and incredible research by Linda herself. I believe this was a project 30 years in the making and it shows.Purchasing this book set (there are two beautiful hardback volumes in a sturdy box sleeve) was an easy decision for me, though of course it isn’t cheap. However, when you unbox and reveal the set you can immediately feel the weight and quality of the product. It’s worth pointing out here that this set is very heavy, as is each individual volume. But it has to be because Linda has not only researched every known Beardsley artwork, she has uncovered a great deal more, and Beardsley was an incredibly prolific man.The closest comparison I can give to this book set is the important 1967 Brian Reade ‘Aubrey Beardsley’ volume which followed the V&A’s major1966 Beardsley exhibition - of which Reade was the curator. If you are reading this review then you are likely to know that book very well. Zatlin has pretty much started again from scratch with her Catalogue Raisonne though - but still refers sagely to the great Beardsley authorities of past and present such as Reade, Walker, Gallatin and of course Mark Lasner (who is a good friend of the authors).The proof of the book’s value is in the detail – each and every known Beardsley drawing, poster and rare canvas is illustrated and duly catalogued, illustrated and detailed. Although most Beardsley books try to follow a reasonable chronological flow to the illustrations – this is often misleading when earlier or later designs are included simply as decoration. Here Zatlin ensures that we appreciate – page by page – the real timeline and artistic progress made during the artist’s short lifetime. This in itself is both valuable and a revelation in places as there really hasn’t been such a detailed reference made until now. Brian Reade and co would undoubtedly salute Linda’s diligence.As I look through each volume I wonder what Beardsley himself would think of it all? He quite rightly knew the value of his work and, as we know from his letters and interviews, thought quite highly of himself. My personal view is that the man, who still intrigues and inspires so many with his life and work, would be delighted at the level of appreciation he still commands - 118 years after his death. And, apart from some of his juvenile drawings that survived (that he would probably have destroyed having had half a chance, though I am very pleased we still have them), he would be amazed at the quality and amount of output he managed.I have little doubt that Mr Beardsley himself would be delighted to see such a classy, well-produced Raisonne, and have great appreciation for the diligent research and text.As you can tell, I’m more than impressed! I have no hesitation in recommending this epic book set to all Beardsley scholars.

It made a brilliant present, thank you !!!!