A Curious Herbal, the first modern edition of Elizabeth Blackwell’s 18th-century botanical guide, grants her the recognition that she has long deserved.
Books
Beneath the Surface of Art’s Visual Symbolism
Matthew Wilson’s new book, The Hidden Language of Symbols, chronicles the buried visual cues of power, faith, uncertainty, and hope.
The Extraordinary Life of Barbara Chase-Riboud
The pathbreaking artist recounts milestones in her life through letters she wrote to her mother.
Central Park Architect Frederick Law Olmsted’s Tree Politics
Photographer Stanley Greenberg’s new book takes as its subjects those aspects of Olmsted landscapes that took decades to come into their own — the trees.
How to Crack the Catholic Code of the Old Masters
Suzanna Ivanič’s new book Catholica: The Visual Culture of Catholicism is an essential primer on how Catholicism intersects with art history.
The Understated Beauty of Decorated Paper
Pattern and Flow: A Golden Age of American Decorated Paper, 1960s to 2000s is a feast for the eyes.
In Praise of the Exhibition Catalogue
Shary Boyle’s Outside the Palace of Me exhibition catalogue provides viewers with experiences that an in-person visit cannot.
How One Woman Built a Famous Male Architect’s Legacy
Eva Hagberg’s new book sheds light on the relationship between critic and publicist Aline Louchheim and architect Eero Saarinen.
Some Sisterhood for Any Woman Attempting to Go It Alone
Immy Humes’s The Only Woman is a deeply satisfying array of women scientists, artists, writers, medical students, politicians, and even criminals, all pictured among their fellows.
The History of Malls as Sites of Racism and Surveillance
Alexandra Lange’s book Meet Me by the Fountain traces the evolution of shopping malls, environments that were initially designed to serve White women with children.
NY Public Library Is Giving Away 500,000 Free Books This Summer
Young New Yorkers across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island can head to any NYPL branch and pick up a free book.
The Heist (or Repatriation) of the Century
Portrait of a Thief imagines what would happen if some overly confident 20-somethings proved the life of museum objects isn’t as clear-cut as it seems.