“On Rue Tatin” by Susan Loomis (Harper Collins, London)
This charming book praises “the simple pleasures of life in a small French Town.” Loomis’story begins with a marriage to a Gallic sculptor, and the purchase of a 300-year-old Norman house that by being both beautiful and badly in need of restoration, becomes another form of marriage... which in turn deepens as she becomes increasingly involved with her neighbors, the school system and town politics. Written partly as a Normandy cookbook (Loomis was trained at La Varenne) this personal account will make a bright addition to anyone’s collection of both French regional cookbooks, and anecdotes about living among the French. MH
“The Bohemians — The Birth of Modern Art: Paris 1900-1930” by Dan Franck (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, London)
Before and after the first world war, post-impressionistic Paris launched the 20th century into what probably quallifies as one of the giddiest epochs of artistic invention witnessed since the renaissance. Artists from all over the world crowded into this rough-and-tumble city where passionate creatiove squabbles reached near monumental proportions. Franck’s investigative book is among the most complete attempts at encompassing this exciting period. MH
“Man Ray’s Montparnasse” by Herbert R. Lottman (Abrams, New York)
Lottman uses the story of one of the most iconoclastic figures of the ’30s, Man Ray, as a narrative link, bringing to life the streets of Montparnasse during that era. Rarely in the history of art have the lives of artists been so deeply intertwined or have the relationships between various art movements been so complicated, and occasionally volatile. MH
The House Book Phaidon Pres Limited
This hefty book is a global survey of 500 houses, covering an astonishing array of architects, cultures, styles, materials and design movements. Many facets of the subject are explored — from visually-astounding, custom-designed buildings to dwellings representing diverse cultures around the world. Arranged in A-Z order, according to the architect, patron, tribe or people concerned, each place is illustrated by an image revealing the diverse nature of the environments we call “home.”
Paris Gourmandises by Hélène & Irène Lurcat, Parigramme
Attention — sweet-tooths! This pocket-sized guide will take you on a promenade through the “sugary pleasures” of Paris. Study the book’s helpful glossary and best-of listing, then indulge in the best éclair au chocolat at Le Furet or the best flan at Mulot’s. Opt for a tarte au Darjeeling at a table overlooking the place de la Madeleine chez Fauchon, but for the tarte au citron, head for La Vieille France. And for one-of-a-kind creations, don’t miss Millet’s Saint-Marc au caramel, or a taste of Jean-Paul Hevin’s Turin. No matter the neighborhood, at least two dessert chefs serving genuine “gourmandizes” can be found. KH
“Lam métis” (Éditions Musée Dapper)
Accompanying Cuban artist Wifredo Lam stunning exhibition at the Musée Dapper (until Jan 20) is a book of finely reproduced images of his most impressive work. Lam’s art incorporates many influences from afro-Cuban religion to Picasso. Exquisite photographs of African and Oceanic sculpture as well as religious artifacts illustrate his varied sources of inspiration, and would make a great stocking-stuffer for art lovers. MW
Reviews by Marc Heberden, Kristen Hinman, Marie Winfield. The books “Man Ray’s Montparnasse” “The Bohemians” and “On Rue Tatin” are available at Brentano’s
