Fredrick Church

Northeastern Naturalist, 2007 by Rees, Cathy

Fredrick Church. John K. Howat. 2005. Yale University Press, New Haven, CT. 213 pp. $50, hardcover. ISBN 0300109881. This beautifully illustrated book describes not only the artwork of this Hudson River School master, but his life and varied interests as well. The 21 chapters are written in chronological order, many of them highlighting his international travels that ultimately resulted in a series of studies and paintings depicting a particular location.

His thoughts, friendships, and important life events are described in the text as well as the reaction of the public to his works. Well written and superbly illustrated, this book will be appreciated by admirers of Church's work and his role in the development of 20lh century art. C.R.