Martin, Russell. Picasso's war; the destruction of Guernica and the masterpiece that changed the world.

Penguin Putnam, Plume. 274p. bibliog. c2002. 0-452-28415-5. $14.00. SA

This is a readable book that blends history of the Spanish Civil War, biographical information about Picasso and art criticism of his acclaimed painting, Guernica. Martin, author of a similar book about Beethoven (Beethoven's Hair), has a wonderfully knowing and light touch with all his topics, using knowledge to draw readers in and not put them off. Each chapter is just right for satisfying curiosity without cutting stories off too quickly or making them too long. The biggest drawbacks are two omissions: the boor really could use some photographs (there's just one, plus a cover shot of the major painting under discussion, and neither is very clear); and for student researchers an index would really help. There is a short bibliographic note for those wanting more information on several fronts. Daniel Levinson, Teacher, Thayer Acad., Braintree, MA