Monet at Giverny.

Caroline Holmes. New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. (800-367-9692), 2002. Illus., hardcover, 192 pp., $29.95.

Claude Monet lived the last forty-five years of his life at Giverny, creating the paintings and gardens for which he is revered. This beautifully designed and richly illustrated book tenderly describes those years and reproduces much of the art he created during that period. There are many fine publications about Monet, but this book captures the essence of the man and the compelling beauty of his art in a special way. The text is informative and very readable, with a number of sidebars and pull-out quotes enlivening the pages. The artworks, reproduced in rich color, seem to leap off the page to connect with the reader. Brushwork details as well as full-page reproductions of his works are complemented by archival photographs of Monet at work and at leisure. In addition to the artworks, there are numerous photos of nature and the context of Giverny--the iris, water lillies, the Japanese bridge, building exteriors and studio interiors. These all coalesce to inform the reader about Monet's love of nature, details of his life and the meanings behind his art. Interesting information ranging from his disciplined daily schedule to his flower shopping lists--serve to expand our understanding of his art. Recommended for any school or personal library.