YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS: Modernism in American Silver: 20^th Century Design by Jewel Stern. 392 pp.; 9 x 12; 390 Illus., 359 in Color; Biographies of Selected Designers; Catalogue; Selected Bibliography; Index. $75.00 Hardcover. With the collector, scholar, designer and student in mind, author Jewel Stern, with the help of Kevin W. Tucker and Charles L. Venable, offers up an astonishing potpourri of silverwork, from teaspoons to cocktail shakers, all from the extensive holdings of the Dallas Museum of ArtÕs Jewel Stern American Silver Collection. Includes both well- and little-known designers. Excellent reproductions. *****
Origins of Printmaking: Fifteenth-Century Woodcuts and their Public by Peter Parshall and Rainer Schoch. 372 pp.; 9 1/2 x 12; 170 Illus., 150 in Color; Appendix; Bibliography; Index. $65.00 Hardcover.  A host of scholars have joined efforts to produce Origins of Printmaking, one of the most comprehensive and impressive volumes to analyze and assess late medieval printmaking. Scholarly, far-reaching and always informative. A must for the serious artbook collector. *****
Vincent Van Gogh: The Drawings by Colta Ives, et al. 400 pp.; 9 3/4 x 11; 374 Illus., 324 in Color; Appendices; Index. $65.00 Hardcover. Published in conjunction with an exhibition presently at the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (thru Sep 18) and which will open at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC (Oct 18-Dec 31), The Drawings offers a comprehensive presentation of van GoghÕs charcoal, ink, graphite, watercolor and diluted oil drawings. Commentary includes the most recent scholarship to date concerning the artist and the work. A wonderful addition to anyoneÕs art library. ***** Georg Jensen Jewelry by David Taylor. 400 pp.; 9 3/4 x 12; 400 Illus., 330 in Color; Catalogue of the Exhibition; Checklist; Selected Biographies; Appendix; Bibliography; Index. $65.00 Hardcover. Author David Taylor traces the life and work of the Danish silversmith Georg Jensen, from his beginnings as a designer of flatware to his worldwide reputation as an influential designer of modernist jewelry. Lavishly illustrated with excellent reproductions. *****
The Perfect Medium: Photography and the Occult by ClŽment ChŽroux, et al. 288 pp.; 9 ¼ x 11 5/8; 280 Color Illus.; Appendices; Bibliography; Index. $65.00 Hardcover. Published to coincide with an exhibition of the same name at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC, (thru 31 Dec), The Perfect Medium explores the relationship between photography and the occult ÒsciencesÓ, ranging from Victorian to modern times. Many rare and seldom seen photographs from both private and public collections make this an important contribution to the history of photography. ***** Christo and Jeanne-Claude: On the Way to The Gates, Central Park, New York City by Jonathan Fineberg w/Photographs by Wolfgang Volz. 224 pp.; 11 1/2 x 10 5/8; B/W & Color Illus.; Chronology; Bibliography; Index. $45.00 Softcover. For those who missed the actual event this past February, On the Way to the Gates is the definitive book that covers the entire creative process from its inception in the 1970s to the present. Includes interviews with the artists. ****
Pictures & Words: New Comic Art and Narrative Illustration by Roanne Bell and Mark Sinclair. 144 pp.; 9 1/2 x 11; 300 Illus.; ArtistsÕ Biographies. $26.95 Softcover. An overview of the wacky world of comic art from the world over. Sometimes humorous, sometimes mind-boggling. *** Dialogues: Duchamp. Cornell, Johns, Rauschenberg by Dorothy Kosinsky. 116 pp.; 8 x 10; 65 Color Illus.; Checklist; Bibliography. $21.95 Slipcased Softcover. An argument that the work of the Americans, Cornell, Johns, and Rauschenberg were not derivative knock offs, but instead Òdialogic exchangesÓ between them and Duchamp. Perhaps. Published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Dallas Museum of Art (thru Jan 8, Õ06). ***

FOUR COURTS PRESS/ISBS: Classical and Gothic: Studies in the History of Art by Michael McCarthy. 160 pp.; 6 1/4 x 9 1/2; B/W & Color Illus.; Bibliography; Notes; Index. $65.00 Hardcover. Author Michael McCarthy, professor of the history of art in University College Dublin and author of The origins of the Gothic Revival, offers a scholarly set of essays, all of which are primarily focused on Classical and Gothic architecture. **** Deborah Brown: From Painting to Sculpture (Ed.) Hilary Pyle. 123 pp.; 9 1/2 x 11; 97 B/W & Color Illus.; Catalogue; Index. A series of essayists trace the life and work of Irish artist Deborah Brown whose career evolved from painter to sculptor. Includes extensive interview with the artist. ***

PRESTEL: Nordic Dawn: ModernismÕs Awakening in Finland 1890-1920 by Stephan Koja. 231 pp.; 9 7/8 x 12; B/W & Color Illus.; List of Plates; Chronology; Biographies; General Literature; Index. $65.00 Hardcover. Handsomely produced and lavishly illustrated, Nordic Dawn will offer reader a wealth of new images, most probably unknown to American viewers. An important study that chronicles the impact of modernism on a country struggling for identity. Impressive. *****
Anselm Kiefer: Heaven and Earth by Michael Auping. 184 pp.; 8 1/2 x 11; 106 Illus., 90 in Color; Interview w/Artist; Checklist; Solo Exhibitions; Selected Bibliography. $65.00 Hardcover. A retrospective of KieferÕs work, Heaven and Earth views the artistÕs oeuvre through the theme of the bookÕs subtitle, Òheaven and earthÓ. Published to coincide with a traveling exhibition that opens at the Modern Art Museum, Fort Worth, TX (thru Jan 8, Õ06) and which will travel to Montreal and San Francisco (thru Ô06/Õ07). ***
Grant WoodÕs Studio: Birthplace of American Gothic by Jane Milosch. 128 pp.; 9 1/2 x 11; 60 Illus., 40 in Color; Notes; Selected Bibliography; Grant WoodÕs Chronology; Index. $45.00 Hardcover. Handsomely produced and lavishly illustrated with photographs and reproductions of WoodÕs work (many of rarely seen decorative works), Grant WoodÕs Studio is published to coincide with the inaugural opening of his studio at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art in Iowa. Explores both the man and his varied oeuvre. *****
Egon Schiele: Erotic Sketchbook and Gustave Klimt: Erotic Sketchbook by Norbert Wolf (German text). (Each) 63 pp.; 7 5/8 x 9 3/8; B/W & Color Illus. $25.00 Hardcover. Beautifully crafted with ribbon ties, these two little skizzenbooks share the erotic sketches of these two artists. Wonderful little gifts for that special connoisseur of the erotic drawing. *****
Joseph Beuys: Early Watercolors and Drawings by Werner Schade. 152 pp.; 6 ¼ x 9 ½; B/W & Color Illus.; Plates; Biography; Selected Bibliography. $24.95 Hardcover. Michelangelo by Stefanie Penck. 96 pp.; 7 3/8 x 10 3/4; B/W & Color Illus. $14.95 Softcover. This beautiful little book offers a look into the art, life and times of ÒSculptor, Painter, Architect, and PoetÓ Michelangelo Buonarroti. A handsome little gift. *****
Wassily Kandinsky and Gabriele MŸnter: Letters and Reminiscences 1902-1914 by Annegret Hoberg. 159 pp.; 7 1/2 x 10 3/4; B/W & Color Illus.; Appendices. $14.95 Softcover. This is a delightful little book, full of color and love as well as Òpain and betrayal.Ó Hoberg combines commentary with letters from both artists, sprinkled throughout with period photographs and reproductions of their work. Vividly brings back memories to this writer who visited Murnau several years ago with Norbert and Gabi Witmer, friends of mine from Munich who much admired MŸnterÕs work. *****

W.W.NORTON & CO., INC.: The Art of Rockefeller Center by Christine Roussel. 320 pp.; 9 3/8 x 12; Map; Acknowledgements; Endnotes; Artists and Work Specs.; Index. $59.95 Hardcover. An up-close, in-depth, behind-the-scene overview of the over 100 separate works that are housed in this spectacular New York City landmark. The authorÕs extensive commentary is enhanced by beautiful illustration and excellent reproductions. Sure to please both dedicated Manhattanite and the casual visitor. *****

STYLUS PUBLISHING, LLC: Cuidad Multiple City (Eds.) Adrienne Samos and Gerardo Mosquera. 350 pp.; 8 1/2 x 10; B/W & Color Illus.; Contributors; Photographers. $45.00 Softcover.

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON PRESS: Japanese Masterworks: Paintings from the Indianapolis Museum of Art (Eds.) Heisaku Harada and John Tadao Teramoto. 228 pp.; 9 x 12; 163 Color Illus.; Map; Notes; Plates; Chronology; Artist Biography. $40.00 Softcover. With text in both Japanese and English, this beautiful book with its elegant images represents some seventy-three works from holdings of Japanese masterworks — including paintings, scrolls and sliding doors — from the Indianapolis Museum of Art and which were part of a traveling exhibition through Japan over 2004-5. Each entry is enhanced by commentary from scholars in the field. ****
Contemporary Coast Salish Art (Eds.) Rebecca Blanchard and Nancy Davenport. 112 pp.; 9 x 11; 62 Illus., 59 in Color; References. $27.50 Softcover. Published in conjunction with an exhibition, ÒAwakenings: A Gathering of Coast Salish ArtistsÓ at the Stonington Gallery, Seattle, WA, this catalogue offers up an overview of the work of some 20 artists, ranging from basketry and weaving to glass sculpture. Excellent reproductions highlight some particularly beautiful crafts. ****

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA PRESS: Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts: 200 Years of Excellence by Mark Hain et al. 312 pp.; 9 x 12; 270 Illus., 247 in Color; Timeline; Index. $39.00 Softcover. A comprehensive overview of the institution and its holdings, 200 Years of Excellence celebrates the considerable contribution that the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has made to the history of American art. ****

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA PRESS: Picture Taker: Photographs by Ken Elkins Foreword by Rick Bragg, Photographs by Ken Elkins. 120 pp.; 10 x 11; 99 Duotone Photographs; Afterword. $35.00 Hardcover. Often stark, always riveting, the photography of Ken Elkins is here celebrated in Picture Taker, a comprehensive overview of some of his best work. Excellent reproductions. *****

ABRAMS: Janfamily: Plans for other days by Janfamily. 224 pp.; 8 x 10 3/4; 500 Color Illus. $35.00 Hardcover. The quirky vision of a group of young artists, Janfamily presents their unique view of the world. Nothing very profound, but a few serendipitously happy moments. ***

RUTGERS UNIVERSITY PRESS/MONTEIRO & COMPANY: ArtistsÕ Estates: Reputations in Trust (Eds.) Magda Salvesen and Diane Cousineau. 384 pp.; 7 x 10; 87 B/W Photographs; Notes; Index. $34.95 Hardcover. An often-overlooked aspect of an artistÕs life and work, ArtistsÕ Estates takes a close look at what happens to the physical estate after death. By using the actual experiences of relatives, friends, gallery owners, foundation directors, lawyers, and the like, the book takes the reader through a galaxy of frustrations, emotional and financial strains, legal ramifications, and problems confronting those who are left behind to deal with an artistÕs body of work. Includes a wide sampling of artists, among which are Lee Krasner, Fairfield Porter, Richard Diebenkorn, Milton and Sally Avery, Romare Bearden, Dorothy Dehner, and many others. ****
American Women Modernists: The Legacy of Robert Henri, 1910-1945 (Ed.) Marian Wardle. 274 pp.; 8 ½ x 11; 167 Illus., 93 in Color; Notes; Bibliography; Index. $34.94 Softcover. With the help of several contributors, American Women Modernists offers up a in-depth and comprehensive overview of the many known and unknown women artists who, under the influence of Robert Henri, contributed to and changed the course of modern art. A much-needed and welcome addition to the history of American art. *****

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BOOKS: Wide Angle: National Geographic Greatest Places (Ed.) Leah Bendavid-Val w/Ferdinand Protzman. 504 pp.; 10 3/8 x 10 3/8; 260 Color Photographs; List of Contributors. $30.00 Hardcover. An almost unbelievable modest price makes this photographic journey one of the best bargains you might come across. This is the third and final volume of the trilogy following Through the Lens: National Geographic Greatest Photographs and In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits. Divided into 12 Chapters (East & Southeast Asia; Oceania; Middle East; Central & Eastern Europe, etc.), the images, culled from over 10.5 million photographs in the National GeographicÕs archive, come from the work of some 120 photographers and cover places from around the globe. A truly great Òcoffee-tableÓ book. *****

POMEGRANATE PUBLICATIONS: Paintings of New York: 1800-1950 by Bruce Weber. 128 pp.; 9 x 7 1/4; 97 Color Illus.; Endnotes. $30.00 Hardcover. Some ninety-seven images from approximately 80 artists fill the pages of Paintings of New York: 1800-1950, offering up a nostalgic trip through the streets of Manhattan. Author Bruce WeberÕs introductory essay and accompanying commentary from various writers on many of the paintings, offer a pleasant journey to the armchair reader. A nice gift for big apple lovers. *****

ALLWORTH PRESS: Business and Legal Forms for Crafts by Tad Crawford. 144 pp.; 8 1/2 x 11; Index; CD-ROM. $29.95 Softcover. As its title implies, this handy and practical guide for the craftsperson offers a wealth of tips and suggestions as well as 30 sample forms on the accompanying CD. Tad Crawford, attorney and author of Legal Guide for the Visual Artist, is eminently qualified to be your guide in these matters. *****

THAMES & HUDSON IND.: Winslow Homer: Artist and Angler by Patricia Junker and Sarah Burns. 240 pp.; 10 x 11; 184 Illus., 123 in Color; Selected Bibliography; Index. $29.95 Softcover. A softcover reprint of an original hardbound edition, Artist and Angler views Homer as fisherman/painter with accent on his love of fishing. Unknown to many, it was the lure of good fishing locales that brought him to many of the places with which he and many of his paintings are identified. Still a very pleasant read. *****

CORNELL UNIVERSITY PRESS: Treasures from Olana: Landscapes by Frederic Edwin Church by Kevin J. Avery w/Intro by John Wilmerding and Foreword by George E. Pataki. 72 pp.; 9 7/8 x 9 7/8; Color Illus.; Notes. $24.95 Hardcover. Next to visiting Olana in person, browsing through Treasures from Olana is as fine a visit to Frederic Edwin ChurchÕs home on the upper Hudson River that you might hope for. Full of facts and images, this little book is a treasure you will periodically want to dip into at your leisure. ****

WATSON-GUPTILL PUBL: How to Draw What You See by Rudy de Reyna. 176 pp.; 7 x 10; 220 B/W Illus.; Index. $16.95 Softcover. An updated reprint of a classic, How to Draw What You See offers up a comprehensive and detailed overview of the art, materials, mediums, and methods of effective draftsmanship. A must for both beginner and pro. *****

Compiled by Raymond J. Steiner