Frida Kahlo Fans
Books
This website presents only the highlights of the turbulent and painful but colorful life of Frida Kahlo. I encourage you to continue your research by reading some of the many Kahlo books listed and reviewed below.
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Frida Kahlo FansBooks
This website presents only the highlights of the turbulent and painful but colorful life of Frida Kahlo. I encourage you to continue your research by reading some of the many Kahlo books listed and reviewed below. |
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Frida Kahlo -
Das Gesamtwerks
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Standard Edition
Special Edition |
Frida Kahlo: Photographs of Myself and OthersAuthor: Vicente Wolf Publishers:
Pointed Leaf Press (July 16, 2010) ISBN-10: 0982358539 (Standard Edition) ISBN-13: 978-0982358535 (Standard Edition) ASIN: B003ZFXWRU
(Special Edition) Language: English Content: 138 Pages Size: 9.1
x 11.7 x 0.7 inches Synopsis: For the most part,
Frida Kahlo's art is all about herself and her emotional, painful and
turbulent life. Photographs however, are a reflection of her everyday
life away from the canvas and paint. Frida always had
a fear of being forgotten when she was gone….that's why she painted
so many self-portraits. She wanted to immortalize herself through her
paintings and photographs. She encouraged anyone and everyone to photograph
her and at parties she was known to hand out photos of herself to friends
and even people she didn't know….often inscribed "Don't Forget
Me - Frida Kahlo". She was obsessed with being remembered.
The 213 photographs
presented in this book are from a rare personal collection of photographs
owned by the book's author, Vicente Wolf, a world renowned interior designer,
avid vintage photograph collector, Kahlo enthusiast and now author. His
personal collection consists of more than 450 photos, some of which were
taken by professional photographers such as: Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Tina
Modotti, Julien Levy, Nickolas Muray, Lucienne Bloch, and Frida's Father
Guillermo Kahlo. Besides the numerous loose photographs in the collection,
there is an album that is thought to be Diego Rivera's own personal photo
collection. A facsimile of this rare album is shown in this book. The book begins with a forward by the author in which he describes how he acquired the collection. The next 121 pages are a photographic diary of the personal life of Frida Kahlo, her womanizing husband Diego Rivera and their friends and acquaintances. In these never before published images Frida exposes her very vulnerable side; lying in bed bandaged up after surgery, sitting in a wheelchair and photos of herself among those of Diego's "other lovers". In the back of the book is a two page chronology that highlights events in Kahlo's life. The binding of this
hardcover book is exquisite. It is printed on heavy non-glare paper and
beautifully bound as though it were a photo album. This book presents
a fresh and captivating look at the iconic artist, her exuberant husband,
and their coterie of famous friends. This book is different because many
of the photos are captioned with text personally selected or written by
the author. If "a picture is worth a thousand words"
then this book says it all…..you won't be disappointed.
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Frida Kahlo - Face to FaceAuthor: Judy Chicago with Frances Borzello Publishers: Prestel USA (September 1, 2010) ISBN-10: 3791343602 ISBN-13: 978-3791343600 Language: English Content: 252 Pages with several color images of her paintings Size: 13" x 12" x 1¼" Synopsis: The author of this book is Judy Chicago, a prominent feminist artist who has for decades worked tirelessly to ensure that women's artistic achievements become a permanent part of our cultural heritage. She is in the forefront of assuring that women artists are equally recognized with male artists. Her co-author, Frances Borzello, is a London-based art historian who has written extensively on cultural and gender issues and is a specialist in women artists' self-portraiture. Together they handpicked 90 of Kahlo's works that speak to the full spectrum of women's experiences. The text in this book is a "dialogue" between the two artistic icons in which they discuss their interpretation of the selected works. The book begins with a 5 page "Introduction" written by Chicago. In this essay Chicago explains how she became involved in the writing of this book and that one of their goals for this book was "…to consider Kahlo's art without constantly referring to her biography as a way of explaining the imagery". I find this goal very difficult if not impossible….Kahlo painted a diary of her life….her work is her biography on canvas. The focus of this "essay", and the rest of the book, is mostly Chicago's feminist views and the inequality of women artist throughout history and into the present. I have to say that I was disappointed in this book. I put this book aside several times but in the interest of a fair review I forced myself to finish it. There were times when the content was so focused on the feminist movement that I lost sight of the fact the book was about Kahlo. This book should have been titled: "The History of the Feminist Movement in Art". I have researched Kahlo's life and work for the past 7 years and read more than 30 Kahlo books. If this book was the first book that I read on Kahlo I probably wouldn't have continued my research. This book just didn't tell me enough about Kahlo to keep my interest. If you didn't already know who Kahlo was before you read this book you still wouldn't know when you finished reading it. I know this book was not intended to be a biography but it was just too focused on "Feminism" for me. The most impressive features about this book are it's size, the beautiful binding and the plates. The full page plates in this book are "HD" quality and some of the best I have ever seen. Bottom line….I
was not impressed by this book. I wouldn't recommend it. This book is usually available on amazon.com or eBay.com (New & Used).
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Frida KahloAuthor: Claudia Bauer Publishers:
Prestel (April 30, 2007) ISBN-13:
978-3791337807 (Paperback) Language: English Content: 127 Pages with several color images of her paintings Size: 9 ¼"
x 7 ¾" x 5/8" Synopsis: This book is divided into 7 chapters and begins with a brief history of art in Mexico. It then presents a high level "Summary" biography of the colorful world of Frida Kahlo. A woman passionate about art, love and politics, she lived a life characterized by personal tragedy and unshakable optimism, by great intense love and bitter disappointment. A life whose turbulent twists and turns are dramatically documented in her unique and highly personal paintings. This biography is not exactly chronological and is somewhat repetitive in that the "Summary" is presented first and then some major events in her life are detailed in the back of the book…and not necessarily in chronological order. There are several color images of her paintings throughout the book with a brief discussion of some of them. If you're looking for an in-depth discussion of her paintings you won't find it here. This is a great "Introduction
to Frida Kahlo" book. Not only because of its content but because
it's readily available on Amazon.com for cheap…..I paid only 7 cents
for my "new" copy. If you're not familiar with Frida Kahlo then
this is a great "overview" book for you. If you've already
read other Kahlo books and are somewhat familiar with her life and works
then this book probably isn't for you. Usually available on amazon.com or eBay.com (New & Used).
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What the Water
Gave Me:
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Frida Kahlo: Her PhotosAuthor(s): James Oles, Horacio Fernandez, and Frida Kahlo Editor: Pablo
Ortiz Monasterio ISBN-10: 8492480750
ISBN-13: 978-8492480753
Language: English Content: 522 Pages with more than 500 vintage photos Size: 9 3/8" x 6 3/4" x 1 1/2" Synopsis: One year after Frida Kahlo died in 1954, her husband, the famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, gave the Kahlo/Rivera residence (Casa Azul) to the Mexican government to become a museum. The poet Carlos Pellicer was asked to select items in the house to be displayed as part of the museum's permanent collection. The remainder of the items were locked up in a bathroom that was converted into a storage room. The treasure trove remained there for more than half a century until it was opened up in 2004 to reveal the hidden archive. Among the items in the Kahlo/Rivera home and archive were more than 6,000 photographs. This book contains images of more than 500 "never before seen or published" photos taken by a multitude of professional, famous and amateur photographers….including Kahlo herself. These photos are a testimony to their origins and the everyday life of the famous couple, not only through the images themselves but also through the telling annotations inscribed upon them. The book begins with a "Presentation" written by Carlos Phillips Olmedo, Director of the Frida Kahlo Museum. Following the "Presentation" is an "Introduction" written by the book's editor; Pablo Ortiz Monasterio. The remainder of the book is divided into seven different sections into which the photographic works have been divided: "The Origins", "Father", "The Casa Azul", "Broken Body", "Love", "Photography", and "Political Struggle". Each section is prefaced by an essay written by various "experts" from around the world who present their views of the photos featured in their section of the book. Of the 500+ photographs
in this book I think I've only seen 3 - 4 of them before….and I've
seen MUCHO Kahlo photos. In "The Origins" section there
are several interesting photos of Kahlo's parents and grandparents that
were taken in the late 1890s. Usually available on amazon.com or eBay.com (New & Used).
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Finding Frida KahloAuthor: Barbara
Levine with Stephen Jaycox ISBN-13: 978-1568988306 (1st Edition - 2009, Hardcover) Language: English & Spanish Content: 256 Pages with many color photographs of the collection Size: 8¾"
x 11¼" x 1" Synopsis: This book documents the recent discovery and unveiling of an eclectic archive of items that the owners claim belonged to the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The collection is currently owned by Carlos and Leticia Noyola; antique dealers in the small town of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. They acquired the collection in 2004 from a lawyer in Mexico City who, in 1979, purchased it from a wood carver who was given the collection in payment for work that he had done for Frida and Diego Rivera. The collection was contained in 5 cases: a suitcase, a box, a large wooden chest, a painted chest and a metal trunk. Among the 1,200+ items discovered were paintings, drawings, sketches, letters, a diary, keepsakes and other personal affects. The authenticity of this collection is the subject of several articles that suggest the collection is a complete "Fake" while other articles say that at least some of the items are authentic. The current owners state that they have had more than 1,000 of the pieces authenticated. But, the hard-line Kahlo enthusiasts are still skeptical. Some who proclaim the collection a "FAKE" have not even seen the actual collection. The first section of this book is an essay entitled "Encountering Frida Kahlo" by the author, Barbara Levine. In the essay she describes how she became involved in the "Finding Frida Kahlo" book project. Following the essay is a documented account of an interview with the current collection owners: Carlos and Leticia Noyola. In the interview they discuss how they discovered the archive and how, and why, they came to acquire it. The last section is a discussion, with photographs, of some of the items found in each of the 5 cases. There are many color
photographs of the items in this book that help you to understand what
was actually found. This book is a "must have" for Kahlo
enthusiast and fanatics. The book is worth buying just for the photographs
of the collection. After you read the book and examine the photos of the
collection you can decide for yourself if the collection is authentic
or fake. Email me (Mike)
and let me know what you think or post your comments in the guestbook
. Usually available on amazon.com or eBay.com (New & Used).
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Frida Kahlo - Song of HerselfAuthor: Salomon
Grimberg, Forward by Hayden Herrera ISBN-10: 9781858944388
(1st Edition - 2008, Hardcover) Content: 159 Pages with Vintage Photographs and Images of her Paintings and Drawings Size: 8¾" x 6¾" x 7/8" Synopsis: Frida Kahlo's extraordinary life has been well documented, but until now little has been known about the artist's personal thoughts on her internal and external reality. In this book, Kahlo expert Salomon Grimberg introduces and contextualizes an intimate, deeply introspective interview that Kahlo gave towards the end of her life to her friend the psychologist Olga Campos. Kahlo comments candidly as never before on her life, her loves and her art, and expresses her attitudes towards sexuality, her body, friendship, politics and death, among other personal concerns. The most revealing autobiographical text known on this singular woman, this startling interview is accompanied here by Campos's reflections on her relationship with Kahlo and a psychological assessment of Kahlo by Dr James Bridger Harris. The book is illustrated with selected vintage photographs and works by Kahlo, including previously unseen and rarely seen drawings. This book is NOT a Kahlo biography nor a discussion of her works. Usually available on amazon.com or eBay.com (New & Used).
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Frida Kahlo - The Still LifesAuthor: Salomon Grimberg, Forward by Hayden Herrera Publisher: Merrell (London, New York) ISBN-10: 1858944376 ISBN-13: 978-1858944371
Content: 175 Pages, B/W & color photos, 45 color illustrations of her paintings Size: 10¼" x 9" x ¾" Hardcover Synopsis: I anxiously awaited for the publication of this book because it's focus is on the Still Life paintings. Up until now, not much has been said about the Still Lifes because in general, they are more difficult to read and interpret and quite often the real meaning was known only to Kahlo herself. I was curious about this book because it consists of 175 pages and I wasn't sure what could be said about the some 40 Still Lifes that would take that many pages. I consider a "Still Life" to be a painting or drawing of a bowl of fruit, vase of flowers, food, etc. For the purpose of this book, the author, Grimberg, expands the meaning of "Still Life" to include just about everything Kahlo did. Although the main focus is the traditional Still Life, some 30 of them pictured and discussed in this book, there are also Kahlo portraits, self-portraits and some of her other surreal works, drawings and sketches. The book begins with
a VERY brief forward by the Kahlo "Guru", Hayden Herrera. The
text in this book is not limited to just a discussion of Kahlo's Still
Life paintings. It begins with a history of Still Life paintings dating
back to the Middle ages. Throughout the book it also discusses and displays
works by Kahlo's famous husband Diego Rivera. It also includes a lot of
in-depth biographical material…some of which is related to the discussion
of the paintings and some new information I have not read before. This book truly is the first book by anyone to give an in-depth discussion of Kahlo's Still Life paintings. That's what makes it different from all the other Kahlo books and what makes it worth adding to your collection of Kahlo books. You won't be disappointed by this one. Usually available on amazon.com or eBay.com.
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The Diary of Frida KahloAuthor: Frida
Kahlo with Introductions by Carlos Fuentes ISBN: Content: 295 Pages, 338 llustrations, 167 Plates in full color Size: 6 ½" x 9 ½" Synopsis: This book contains a facsimile edition of the personal diary of Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), followed by replicas of each page with explanatory commentary and English translations. The diary, which was hidden from public view in Mexico for several decades, covers the last 10 years of the artist's life, when she was in the midst of extensive emotional and physical difficulties. Among other topics, she writes about her childhood, her political opinions, and her relationship with her husband, the painter and womanizer Diego Rivera. With its colorful text and sketches, and more elaborate illustrations and portraits, the diary is an art object in its own right. If you are intrigued by Kahlo's drawings and sketches, then this book is for you….it's full of them….including some of her best "surrealistic" work. Some of the entries in this diary are so cryptic they defy explanation...only Frida knew their true meaning. This book is also available in French and Spanish. Usually available
on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida Kahlo - The PaintingsAuthor: Hayden
Herrera ISBN: Size: 10 ½" x 14 ½" Synopsis: In small, stunningly rendered self-portraits, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo painted herself cracked open, hemorrhaging during a miscarriage, anesthetized on a hospital gurney, and weeping beside her own extracted heart. Her works are so incendiary in emotion and subject matter that one art critic suggested the walls of an exhibition be covered with asbestos. In this beautiful
book, art historian Hayden Herrera brings together numerous paintings
and sketches by the amazing Mexican artist, documenting each with explanatory
text that probes the influences in Kahlo's life and their meaning for
her work. Included among the illustrations are more than eighty full-color
paintings and dozens of black-and-white photos. If you're looking for
an in-depth discussion of her life and her paintings then this is the
book for you. Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida KahloAuthor: Frank
Milner. ISBN: 1856486761 (Hardcover 2001) Content: 112 Pages; 80 Color Illustrations of her paintings; Vintage B&W Photos; Biography Size: 10 ½" x 14 ½" Synopsis: This book about Frida Kahlo contains 75 large-scale full-color plates of some of her most famous works. Some of the painting reproductions, at least in my book, are not of the best quality. Many of the color plates cover two pages across the face of the open book. Pages 6-23 introduce the artist with an interesting biography and vintage black & white photographs. Pages 24 - 111 are the plates, divided into 3 sections: 1) Self Portraits
(This section contains 16 portraits, 23 self portraits and 6 other paintings) Each section begins with an essay, written by the author, about that particular group of Kahlo's paintings. Each painting is also identified by: title, medium, date painted, size and location at the time of publishing. The author of this
book, Frank Milner, has published many monograph's on artists, and he
calls Kahlo "Brilliant and Charismatic". Usually available
on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida KahloAuthor: Salomon
Grimberg ISBN: 1-57215-323-7 (Hardcover 2003) Content: 128
Pages; Color illustrations of her paintings; Vintage Size: 9½" x 13" (25 x 33 cm) Synopsis: The first 38 pages of this oversized book are devoted to a biography of Frida Kahlo's life and a discussion of some of her most famous paintings. Several vintage color and black & white photos are also included in this section. The remaining pages of this book are the plates...large full page images of her paintings reporduced in full color and detail...some of the best quality reproductions I've seen. Each painting is titled and dated, the medium used and the whereabouts of the original piece. Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Kahlo 1907-1954 Pain and PassionAuthor: Andrea
Kettenmann ISBN: Size: 7 ½" x 9" Synopsis: This book is "Frida Kahlo 101" in a Reader's Digest format. Highly recommended for new "Frida Fans" or current "Frida Fans" who want "just the facts." Contains brief but concise biographical information, vintage black & white photos, color plates of her paintings and commentaries on her paintings. Great quick reference book. If you're only going to buy one "Frida" book…make it this one. However, after reading this one you'll be so intrigued by Frida's life and her art that you'll want other books too. This book is my personal favorite. This book is also available in Spanish & German. Usually available
on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used) |
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2002 Edition
1983/1991 Edition
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FRIDA - A Biography of Frida KahloAuthor: Hayden
Herrera ISBN: Size: 6" x 9" Synopsis: In this book, art
historian and authority on Frida Kahlo, Hayden Herrera vividly portrays
a woman of strength, talent, humor, and endurance. Combining biographical
research, Frida's own letters, and analyses of Frida's paintings, Herrera
illuminates and amplifies Frida Kahlo's life story, her importance as
an artist, and her ultimate triumph over tragedy. This book was the basis
for the recent Academy Award winning film "FRIDA" by
Miramax studios, starring Salma Hayek who graces the cover of the new
edition. This is the most complete and detailed biography you'll ever find on Kahlo. My only complaint about this book is that the image on the cover of the 2002 edition is not Frida Kahlo…it's the actress Salma Hayek who portrayed Frida Kahlo in the 2003 Miramax film "Frida". Although this book does provide commentary on some of Kahlo's paintings, it is not the in-depth analysis that you will find in the book "Frida Kahlo - The Paintings" by the same author. This book is also available in Spanish: "Una Biografía de Frida Kahlo", and on audio cassette/CD in English. Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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I Will Never Forget You... Frida Kahlo to Nickolas MurayAuthor: Salomon
Grimberg ISBN 10: Content: Size: Synopsis: This book, authored by the "Kahlo Guru" Salomon Grimberg, is not just another Kahlo biography nor is it just another book of Kahlo photos. This book tells of a love story between the photographer Nickolas Muray and the painter Frida Kahlo. Written in somewhat of a biographical format, it begins with Muray's life "before Kahlo" followed by Kahlo's life "before Muray"… and then they meet. When these two icons collide, the love story begins. This book captures the most intimate moments of that secret relationship as told through their love letters and the many photographs taken by Muray. 56 of those photos, some never before published, are shown in this book in full color and duotone plates. This book begins with a one page acknowledgement written by Grimberg. In the back of the book there is a 3 page chronology of Nickolas. Following that is an index of 88 known photos of Frida taken by Muray, complete with a thumbnail photo and identifying information. When you've read of all the mundane biographies and want to read something more personal about Frida, then this book is for you. Although it's a love story, it's just another tragic chapter in Kahlo's anything but ordinary life.
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Kahlo (Mega Squares Series)Author: Gerry
Souter ISBN 10: 1840139242
(Paperback , 2006) Content: 256 Pages, 120 Full Page Color Illustrations Size: 5 ¾" x 6 ½" Synopsis: If you are just getting to know Frida Kahlo, then this book is for you….this is "Introduction to Frida Kahlo - 101". It presents an abbreviated, but concise, biography of the artist's life. You can probably read the entire book in about an hour or so. While this book is short on words it is NOT short on content. I have read at least 10 other Kahlo biographies by various authors and thought I had read it all. Not so…this book presents information, dates, details and scenarios that I have not read in other biographies. The book is very well written and organized chronologically. This book contains 120 full page color illustrations of Frida's art. Some are paintings, some are drawings and some are sketches from the pages of her personal diary. If you are looking for a discussion of her art you won't find it here. This book is strictly biographical. It does, however, provide the title, year, medium and current location for each painting/drawing illustrated. I highly recommend this book for new "Kahlo Fans" or for those who are just curious about this icon painter from Mexico. It is one of the best, if not the best, book for beginners. If you haven't seen the 2003 Miramax documentary film "Frida" staring Salma Hayek as Frida, I highly recommend watching that movie….but read this book first and the movie will be much more meaningful and easier to follow. You won't be disappointed by either. Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida's Fiestas : Recipes and Reminiscences of Life with Frida KahloAuthor: Guadalupe Rivera and Marie-Pierre Colle Publisher: Random House, Inc. ISBN: Content: 224 Pages with Recipes and Full-Color Photographs Size: 8" x 10" Synopsis: "Frida's Fiestas" is a personal account in words and pictures of many important and happy events in the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. This book contains a scrapbook assembled by her stepdaughter, Guadalupe Rivera. In this book she shares recipes for more than 100 dishes that Frida served to family and friends with her characteristic enthusiasm for all the pleasures of life. This food-accented memoir is arranged around 12 occasions for celebration, including Frida and Diego's wedding anniversary and the "Day of the Dead". Also available in Spanish: "Las Fiestas de Frida Y Diego : Recuerdos Y Receta" (ISBN: 0-51770-0441). Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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The
Letters of Frida Kahlo:
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Frida by FridaAuthor: Raquel Tibol Publisher: Editorial RM, Mexico (August 2003) ISBN: 9685208166
(Hardcover, 2003 Edition) Content: 359 Pages Language: English (Translated by Gregory Dechant) Size: 5 ¾" x 8½" Synopsis: In this book, noted art critic and personal friend of Frida Kahlo, gathers letters, notes, poems, protests, confessions, messages and other documents written by Frida to her friends, lovers and others. These writings give us a first hand insight into the artist's personal and private life. I recommend reading this book AFTER you have become familiar with Frida Kahlo's life. Read some of her biographies first and then the letters and other documents in this book will have more meaning. If you're looking for a book that has images of Kahlo's painting or a discussion of her works this is NOT the book. This book has NO images of her paintings but it does have about a dozen black & white photos…all of which you've probably already seen in other Kahlo books. Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida Kahlo - A Modern MasterAuthor: Terri Hardin Publisher: New Line Books Limited ISBN: 1597640891
(Hardcover, 2006) Content: 128 Pages, 101 Color & B/W Illustrations Size: 9" x 12½" Synopsis: This book is what I would call the "Reader's Digest" version of a Kahlo biography. It is a great introduction to the life and art of Frida Kahlo. Terri Hardin has written this book very simply and to the point with a nice balance of bio, art and photos. The color reproductions of Kahlo's paintings and drawings are very sharp and of high quality…probably some of the best I've seen in any Kahlo book. Although this book is mostly biographical, there is some discussion of her paintings. Also included in this book is a selection of black & white photos and a few of her drawings. Highly recommend
this book to those just getting to know Frida Kahlo or those already familiar
with Kahlo but want something extra. Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida Kahlo and Diego RiveraAuthor: Isabel Alcántara and Sandra Egnolff Publisher: Prestel Publishing (Pegasus Library) ISBN: 3791332759
("Flexi" Paperback, 2004) Content: 120 Pages, with Color & B/W Illustrations Size: 7½" x 9¾" Synopsis: This book is a very good introduction to the tragic love story of Frida Kahlo and her husband, the famous Mexican muralist and womanizer Diego Rivera. It presents an insight into their stormy relationship and how it affected her personal life and her art. If you are just getting acquainted with Frida Kahlo this is a great "Frida Kahlo 101" book. It's very well written and easy reading. There are several color illustrations of works by both artists as well as several black & white photos. Although several illustrations of their works are included, there is very little discussion of the works….this book is, for the most part, biographical. And, yes, as another reviewer on Amazon.com pointed out, there are a few typos in the text, and some of the sentence structure is a bit "unusual" and there are a couple of facts that aren't quite right…but just overlook that and you'll find this book very interesting and informative. Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida Kahlo - The Camera SeducedAuthor: Elena Poniatowska with essay by Carla Stellweg Publisher: Chronicle Books, San Francisco ISBN: 0811802159
(Paperback, 1992) Content: 128 Pages, with 60 Black &White Photos Size: 9½" x 11½" Synopsis: This book contains 60 B&W photographs of the legendary Frida Kahlo taken by some of the most famous photographers of the time: Ansel Adams, Lucienne Bloch, Lola & Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Imogen Cummingham, Frida's father Guillermo Kahlo, Nickolas Muray and others. The photos range from early childhood to her last days. A few of the photos I had not seen before but most of the photos in this book can be found in other more recent books on Kahlo. Although many beautiful color photographs of Frida were taken beginning in the late 1930s, none of them appear in this book....everything is in B&W. In the beginning
pages of the book, Elena Poniatowska writes Frida's memoirs as though
she were Frida. At the end of the book, Carla Stellweg writes an essay
covering the high points of Kahlo's life and her turbulent marriage to
the famous Mexican muralist, Diego Rivera. In the back of the book there
is a detailed chronology as well as a description of each photograph.
The focus of this book is on the photographs. Although there are a few
B/W photos of Kahlo's paintings, not much is mentioned about her art. Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Lola Alvarez Bravo - The Frida Kahlo PhotographsAuthor: Salomon Grimberg/Lola Alvarez Bravo Publisher: Society of Friends of Mexican Culture, Dallas, Texas (March 1992) ISBN 10: 0963100904
(Paperback) Content: 117 Pages, 50 B&W Photographs Size: 8½" x 9½" Synopsis: This book (catalog) was published to accompany the "Lola Alvarez Bravo Traveling Exhibition". The curator for the exhibition was Salomon Grimberg, a well known Kahlo "Guru" and author of several Kahlo books. The exhibition was held at three venues: 1) Barry Whistler
Gallery, Dallas, Texas (Sept - Oct 1991) Lola Alvarez Bravo was Mexico's foremost woman photographer and a personal friend of Frida Kahlo. Lola photographed Kahlo many time during the 1940s and 1950s. This book contains 50 black and white photos taken by Bravo…some not before seen in other books. Most of the photos in this book are of Frida but it also includes photos of some of her paintings and photos of "The Blue House" where Kahlo was born, lived and died. The 4 page "Introduction"
portion of this book is written by Salomon Grimberg. In it he describes
his association with Bravo and also provides commentary on some of Kahlo's
more famous works. Following the introduction is a 5 page interview with
Lola Alvarez Bravo. In this interview she tells of her fascination with
photographing Kahlo and their enduring friendship to the very end. One
of Bravo's most haunting photos in this book is of the deceased Kahlo
on her death bed. |
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Frida - Portraits of an IconAuthor: Margaret Hooks Publisher: Turner Publications and Throckmorton Fine Art, 2002 ISBN: 8-47506-564-3 (Hardcover) Content: 149 Pages of Text and 59 Photographs Size: 9 ½" x 12 ½" Synopsis: This book is entirely dedicated to photographic portraits of Frida Kahlo, NOT paintings by Kahlo. Sometimes sepia-toned and sometimes in grays, these photographs chronicle the turbulent life, events and death of Mexico's most famous woman painter. The photos begin with her early childhood days and end with Frida on her deathbed. These photos were taken by the most notable photographers of the time: Imogen Cummingham, Edward Weston, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, one of Frida's loves Nickolas Muray, and Frida's father Guillermo Kahlo. In this book, the author includes an essay that describes how Kahlo's debilitating physical pain may have concealed her vivacious personality in some of the photos. Usually available
on amazon.com, alibris.com and ebay.com (New & Used) |
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FridaAuthor: Luis-Martin Lozano (Editor) Publisher:
Bulfinch Press (October 2001) Content: 260 Pages; 220 Color and Black & White Illustrations Size: 12" x 13" Synopsis: This lush oversize volume is a complete survey of Frida Kahlo's work. With more than 200 reproductions of Kahlo's paintings, and extensive essays on her art as well as her life, "Frida" is the definitive book on this celebrated Mexican artist. This is a quality book, from the paper and binding to the superior reproductions of Kahlo's paintings. This unique book presents a full range of Kahlo's work, including a number of rarely seen paintings from private collections. Throughout, photographs of Kahlo's life -- from childhood photos to portraits of the ailing but still vibrant artist taken near the end of her life -- help us to understand the magnificent personality that created these masterful artworks. The paintings, including her most seminal works, are shown in stunningly lavish reproduction; nine gatefolds allow the reader to examine in detail aspects of her larger pieces. Essays by three esteemed art historians and Diego Rivera illuminate her work for readers. This is one of the more expensive "Kahlo" books, about $85 new, but well worth the money for all of the illustrations. Includes several "close-up" illustrations of sections of paintings to reveal every detail right down to the brush strokes. You won't be disappointed by this book. New and good condition used versions of this book are available on Amazon.com and sometimes ebay.com for a reasonable price. This book is BIG and heavy so expect to pay extra shipping charges. The contents of this book are very similar to another book, "Frida Kahlo", of equal size by Helga Prignitz-Poda. It is also expensive at a suggested retail price of $125. One or the other of these books will do...you don't need both...unless you're a serious "Frida Fan" like I am..... Usually available
on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida Kahlo: The Brush of AnguishAuthor: Martha Zamora (Translated by Marilyn Sode Smith) Publisher:
Chronicle Books; 1990 Content: 144 Pages, 75 Color Plates of her works plus several Black & White Photos Size: 9" x 12" Synopsis: Nearly 40 years after her death, Kahlo is one of the most recognized and recognizable artists of her time. The themes of her life--poor health, pain, abortions, loneliness, depression--are also the themes of her art. The complexities of Kahlo's painful, joyful, and notorious life are well presented in this book. Despite the obvious affection for the subject, Zamora neither glosses over Kahlo's nonconformity nor tries to make a martyr of her. The book contains a collection of 75 color plates of the artist's original works. These 75 masterfully reproduced paintings, several equally remarkable duotone photographs, and descriptive text by Zamora, tell the story of Kahlo's intense and tragic life. Of particular interest because they comprise largely seldom-seen works in various Mexican collections, these plates represent the best collection now available of Kahlo's work. The text is easy to follow and gives a whirlwind tour of Frida's life, complete with recollections by friends and other anecdotes. Included is a chronology, list of illustrations and a selected bibliography. This book, in comparison, is the "Reader's Digest" version of the original Spanish version: "Frida: El Pincel de la Angustia". The original book has nearly four times as many pages….more photographs, paintings and text. Usually available
on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used) |
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2000 Paperback Edition
1993 Hardcover Edition |
Frida Kahlo - An Open LifeAuthor: Raquel Tibol (Translated by Elinor Randall) Publisher:
University of New Mexico Press Content: Size: Synopsis: Over the years there have been numerous books written about Frida Kahlo. This one is unique in that it is written by someone who actually knew Kahlo and lived with her in the last year of her life… the renowned Mexican art critic and historian Raquel Tibol. This book presents facts gathered from medical records, letters, Kahlo's personal diary, personal interviews and Tibol's own personal recollections of her time with Kahlo. One plus for this book is that it is written in plain simple English…no need to keep the dictionary handy like for other Kahlo books I've read. Although the book has some interesting points, I was hoping for more. I felt there was too much information not really relevant to Kahlo….discussions of other artists, a history of art and a history of Mexico. The book is not written in chronological order and, without warning, drifts from one subject to another and then back again. I had hoped for more pages of personal interviews with Kahlo but there are few. Important periods in Kahlo's life are left out, i.e., the time she spent in the United States. Nonetheless, it's worth reading to get Tibol's point of view. This book was first published in Spanish in 1983 and then translated into English by Elinor Randall in 1993 and published in a hard cover edition. A paperback English edition was later published in 2000. Usually available on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida Kahlo: The Painter and Her WorkAuthor: Helga Prignitz-Poda Publisher: Schirmer/Mosel
and Distributed Art Publishers, Inc Slipcase edition (October 15, 2004) Content: 261 Pages, 121 Color Plates, 54 Illustrations Size: 12¼" x 11¼" x 1¼" Synopsis: The first 70 pages
of text in this oversized book are divided into 5 sections: This edition is presented in a beautiful stamped-linen, casebound box. The suggested retail price for this book is $125.00 but you can find it on Amazon.com or Ebay.com for a lot less. This is a VERY heavy book so expect to pay extra for shipping. Usually available
on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Kahlo: The
Blue House:
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1995 Edition
1991 Edition
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Frida KahloAuthor: Malka Drucker Publisher: University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM, Paperbound Edition (October 1995) Bantam Books, paperback
(1991) Content: 159 Pages, 8 B/W photos, 6 color illustrations of her paintings, a brief chronology Size: 5 ½ x 8 ¼ inches (Weight: 7.84 ounces) Synopsis: Tired of reading all the Kahlo biographies full of facts in a "documentary style" format..? Then this book is for you. This Kahlo biography, with a splash of Mexican history, presents an in-depth look at the private life of this famous Mexican painter in the style of a novel. This book is written for young adult readers and is very well written, well organized, easy reading and full of tidbits of information not found in other books. Once you start to read it you can't put it down. When you're finished you will know and understand the real Frida Kahlo. Highly recommend this book to "Frida Fans" of all ages. If you are looking for an in-depth discussion of her paintings you won't find it here. Not much is said about her paintings and there are only 6 small color and 3 black & white illustrations of her paintings and 6 black & white photos. In the back of the book there is a very brief chronology. Although this book
is old, both editions are still available on Amazon.com. The
1991 edition is available "used" and cheaper...less than $3.
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30 Frida Kahlo PostcardsPublisher: Taschen ISBN: 3-8228-9765-5
Size: 4 ½" x 6 ¼" Synopsis: This book contains postcards depicting 30 of Frida Kahlo's famous paintings. All are in full color with painting titles printed on the back in English, German and French. Cards are suitable for mailing or framing. This book also contains a brief one page biography in English, German and French. A great gift for a "Frida Fan". Usually available
on amazon.com, alibris.com or ebay.com (New & Used)
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Frida Kahlo - PostcardsPublisher: Chronicle Books (1991) ISBN: 0-8118-0039-3 Content: 22 Postcards Size: 4 ½" x 6 ¼" Synopsis: This book contains 22 postcards featuring 17 full-color popular works of art as well as 5 photographs of the artist herself. The compilation of images consists of self-portraits, still life, surreal scenes and black & white and color photographs. Painting dates, titles, size and medium are printed on the back of each card. Painting titles are in English and Spanish. Cards are 4 ½" x 6 ¼" and are suitable for framing.
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