Harry Clarke: The Life & Work

by Penelope Hunter-Stiebel (Foreword), Nicola Gordon Bowe

The definitive biography of Clarke and a critical survey of his oeuvre—out of print for more than 15 years, now with new images and additional material Stained glass, symbolism, decadence, Celtic mysticism, National Romanticism, Art Nouveau, and the Ballets Russes—all these elements claim a place in the definition of the art of Harry Clarke (1887-1931), the Dublin artist now recognized internationally as a bizarre genius of his age. As an Irish Symbolist, his work is analogous with that of his friends W.B. Yeats and George Russell (AE), as well as the early James Joyce. AE rightly prophesized the fascination his work would hold for future generations of collectors. Whether in stained glass or in book illustration, his all too rare work has, over the past two decades, become increasingly sought after. This book provides a chronological and contextual framework of study for his ceaseless and varied output—in Dublin, London, the Aran Islands, Glasgow, Paris, and finally America. In Clarke, a fundamentally Arts and Crafts ideology is fused with a Celtic Revivalist spirit seeking expression in a modern idiom during a key period in Ireland's history.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Irish Literature, Ireland

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Celeste]

not going to rate bc ive decided that I don't rate nonfiction but I did enjoy!! struggled through some bits because I am not often a nonfiction reader but this was super informative and i'm very glad the library had it so I could indulge my current harry clarke obsession

[Jenneine · Rating 3 out of 5]

i'm a harry clarke fan so this is of interest to me. was inspired to read more after seeing an exhibit of his graphic art at the crawford museum in cork. then, i visited the spectacular windows in the st. sennan's church in kilrush, co clare. i appreciate the graphic art but the stained glass work transports me!

[Seema Rao · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting monograph of a prolific artist who worked in illustration and other applied arts.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those stained-glass pieces are extraordinary!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exceedingly well-researched book. For my own tastes I would have preferred more illustrations of Clarke's work and a bit less text. I particularly love his macabre book illustrations.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrator for Edgar Allen Poe books