Robin Langley Sommer's Books

The late twentieth century has seen a renewed interest in the art of the native peoples of North America. As modern culture becomes further removed from the natural world, as the world's natural resources are devastated under the pressures of civilization, so does a part of yearn for a time when human life seemed closer to that of the earth itself; when the spirit world and the physical world were inextricably intertwined, imbuing all things with a sense of magic that has largely been lost today. This reverence for nature in all of its manifestations, and the bond between people and the spirits, lives on today in Native American culture, reminding us, of the beauty in everyday life. This beauty is translated into Native American art, which in its simplest and most spectacular form transforms utilitarian items such as pottery jars and beaded clothing into objects of spiritual depth and meaning. Designs and techniques specific to a tribe are handed down through generations; certain designs are specific to certain individuals who encountered them in vision quests. Some motifs, such as spirals, bear paws, and cross shapes (signifying the four directions), have endured from prehistoric petroglyphs through the centuries up to the present day. When white settlers arrived bearing silver coins, glass beads, and dyes, Native Americans incorporated these and other materials into their traditional art. And today, while traditional techniques are passed along to the newest generation, some Native American artists incorporate traditional thought into modern media such as collage, sculpture, and painting in oils, acrylics, and watercolor. Adaptability has long been a part of Native American culture, helping it to surmount adverse conditions imposed by nature and by other cultures. The spectrum of Native American art includes weaving and basketry; pottery; jewelry, silverwork, and ornamentation; leatherwork, beadwork, and quillwork; regalia such as headdresses and war shirts and representational objects such as masks and kachina dolls; carving and sculpture in wood, stone, bone, horn and modern materials; and painting. Over 175 fine examples of work by tribes across North America, from Alaska to Nova Scotia and from Florida to Southern California, grace this breathtaking selection. Full color reproductions allow the viewer to see the incredible detail of workmanship in each unique, handcrafted piece. Text by art historian Robin Langley Sommer provides a fascinating overview which puts the pieces into both historical and spiritual context. A visual feast, Native American Art is an experience to savor."--Provided by publisher

This book, with over 120 works illustrated in full color, presents the art of Pablo Picasso, one of the most original and creative artists of the twentieth century.

Dazzling full-color photographs reveal the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, from Northern California to Alaska.

With over 140 illustrations, this book describes the lives of North American Indian women, including their cycle of life from girlhood to old age, their handiwork, their spiritual lives, and their traditional roles and responsibilities.

Superb and intimate photographs take readers across America's rich and varied land and uncover her deep-reaching roots. 160 color photographs, plus two gatefolds.

This edition published by Barnes & Noble, Inc. by arrangement withDove Tail Books.

A pictorial tribute to North America's vanishing rural heritage, as seen in the variety, simplicity, and homely beauty of old barns across the continent.

This volume presents a wide variety of decorative planters and trelliswork, outdoor furniture and lighting, paths and borders, sculpture, water features, gazebos and pergolas, gazing balls, birdhouses, and more. It also explores the possibilities of folk art and found objects for creating a garden that bears your personal signature. Featuring photographs of gardens throughout the United States and showcasing the inventiveness and flair of talented landscapers who have beautified their outdoor environments by incorporating traditional features and objects into their designs.

This book, with over 120 works illustrated in full color, presents the art of Pablo Picasso, one of the most original and creative artists of the twentieth century.

Frank Lloyd Wright is recognized as a dominant figure in the history of modern architecture. His life and revolutionary work is described in this volume filled with more than 180 photographs illustrating 60 of his most-beloved buildings.

This hardcover spiral-bound volume offers a unique perspective on 16 of Wright's greatest and most adventurous works. Each eight-page gatefold opens to almost three feet and presents the author's original rendering in full size. Includes Wright's own home and studio, Unity Temple and Guggenheim Museum. 16 full-color renderings.

Contains a brief biography of Norman Rockwell and includes numerous plates of classic Rockwell paintings.

Dazzling full-color photographs reveal the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, from Northern California to Alaska.

Through informative text and more than 120 photographs, this history of the U.S. marshals chronicles their role in shaping America from the War for Independence to the present day.

Summary: An informative guide to the meanings and origins of familiar quotations and phrases from the world of ancient Rome.

Contains more than one hundred reproductions of classic Rockwell paintings.

A collection of famous cases reveals the truth behind the fake autobiography of billionaire recluse Howard Hughes, the creation of the "Lincoln Love Letters," and the museum-quality "Vermeers" painted by a twentieth-century Dutch artist.

Book's by Robin Langley Sommer

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