The book itself is a brief, well-illstrated summary of Hockney's work, from school in the 1950s up to the book's time, in the mid-nineties. Color reproductions are good, but lots of the paintings are shown in B&W, which I consider a loss. The text is workmanlike, but I have to admit I skipped most of it.

The problem is, I just don't much care for Hockney's work, and this book didn't change that part of my taste. Parts were interesting, like the relationships between his Polaroid collages and the paintings with rubbery perspective. Only just interesting, though.

I gave this four stars because it does seem to be a competent presentation of it's kind, but I've seen more impressive books dedicated to other artists. I'm sure Hockney fans will give a very different kind of review.

//wiredweird

Hockney never ceases to amaze us with his abundant energy and inventiveness. One need only look at a Hockney--always a wealth of colors and quirky gestures--to brighten any day.