Jackson Pollock: An American Saga

by Gregory White Smith and Steven Naifeh

Book Overview

Based on family letters and documents, lengthy interviews with his widow, Lee Krasner, as well as his psychologists and psychoanalysts, this book explodes the myths surrounding his death in 1956. 12... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060973676
• ISBN13: 9780060973674
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 934 Pages
• Weight: 2.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating story of a genius alcoholic

The beginning of this book is hard to get through but once Jackson moved to New York, I was totally absorbed in his story. I'm sorry that the movie based on this book did not sweep the Oscars. By the time you finish the book, you feel like you know this man, but of course, he didn't even know himself. I recommend not only the book, but the movie, and the soundtrack, too.

An excellent biography about a difficult man

The Jackson Pollock as presented in this fast reading, well researched and impassioned (it is most obvious that the authors are devoted to placing Pollock rightfully amoung the giants of Art) biography, comes across as a sullen, abusive, self-hating, inarticulate, drunken visionary who, despite his many great personality flaws, changed the course of modern art forever. The subtitle of "An American Saga" is most appropriate considering the vast expanses of geographical and historical space Pollock journeyed in his short life. The authors wisely build a living frame of reference for Pollock to exist. There is absolutely no way a rule breaker can develop in a vacum and Pollock was no exception. The supporting cast of characters (including America's rich landscapes- so vividly captured here!) stands as a virtual who's who of American Art. Thomas Hart Benton, Peggy Guggenhiem and others recieve detailed sketches as do the WPA and other organizations that helped to shape Pollock's path.Pollock may not have been a "good man" in a moral sense. He comes across as boorish and self-centered, and tragically in many cases, the world's great artists frequently share Pollocks flaws. I seriously doubt that I would have enjoyed spending any time with Pollock the man. Luckily we don't have to, but we do have Pollock's rich legacy of Art in which we can all share.A must read for any lover or student of American Culture, Art or History.

Well-Researched

Excellent index and thorough, chronological coverage of events in the life of this important American artist.It is a huge book but moves fairly quickly, since Pollock's life was really very interesting. Any art history student studying Pollock and the New York abstract expressionist movement will find plenty of insight here. Includes wonderful collection of black and white photos from all phases of the man's life. Pollock had a tough time dealing with the fame and notoriety foisted upon him as a genius of the New York school, and for many years Pollock has often been dismissed as the phony he himself feared he was. It certainly is refreshing to see Pollock as a whole man (talented, wise, adventurous, flawed, tenacious, alcoholic), not just as an overrated art star. (The recent Kurt Varnadoe book on his art is also excellent in this way). Self doubting artists may find some degree of comfort in this book, actually. Detailed, unbiased writing. One of the best artist biographies I've ever read.

An excellent bio on an abusive and brilliant artist?

This is a well researched and written biography. Pollock was alcoholic, abusive and not someone I would have wanted to know. He hurt the woman he loved- or at least loved him. This biography travels through the world of art and money as well as the bowels of self-hatred and Hell. Was he an artist or just lucky (drip painting)? Do some brilliant moments in creativity justify such abuse toward others? Was his confusion about his sexual identity at the core of his artistic and abusive self? This biography goes into the psychological and creative mind and life of an extremely complex though not so interesting individual. Given the right circumstances just about anyone can appear interesting and brilliant. Good connections and lucky breaks can pave the way to painting a brilliant illusion. Maybe that was his greatest masterpiece. With that all said, the biography is brilliant, and that's no illusion. One of the most insightful reads on the art world during the middle of the twentieth century. You'll read about famous people, and find a new and enlightening perspective of how it evolved and the stuff it was made of. Highly enjoyable and recommended!

An interesting and very enjoyable read

This book is entitled Jackson Pollock: An American Saga, not Jackson Pollock: Only What You Need To Understand His Work. It is a biography and it should be read like one. The only trouble is that I found it necessary to purchase another book that analyzed his paintings better. Still though, this book is essential for anyone interested in Pollock.