This is a magnificent collection of reproductions of art fitting the loose designation of “Impressionist.” It is “loose” in that it includes works “by the Impressionists, their precursors and followers, as well as figures more or less closely associated with their movement.” The text provides biographical information on the artists, and reviews the social, cultural, and political background to shed light on the origins and development of these works of art. An interesting appendix documents the prices received for some of these paintings.

Evaluation: I have spent hours perusing this coffee-table sized book enjoying the wonderful art within from my living room. The author says about Bonnard, “the visible world becomes a haze of warm, fruity colors saturated with sunshine.” Indeed, this characterizes much of the work, and much of my time spent admiring its pictures. ( )