Joseph Cornell and Astronomy: A Case for the Stars
One ofChoice's Outstanding Academic Titles for 2009"Figures are plentiful, and reproductions of Cornell's work are crisp and colorful; combined with Hoving's deep research and enthusiasm, this a surprisingly lively read, full of insight into Cornell as well as the intersection of art and science."--Publishers Weekly"Kirsten Hoving'sJoseph Cornell and Astronomy: A Case for the Starsoffers a remarkable new perspective on an essential American master, revealing the scientific seriousness that supported Cornell's poetic fancies."--Jed Perl,The New Republic"Mesmerizing. . . . Hoving does something ambitious and difficult: she identifies one important thread of his creative process and uses it to help us understand Cornell's art. . . . With its high-quality production and beautiful and wide-ranging illustrations, this book is extremely absorbing."--Pedro Ferreira,Nature"In this impeccably researched and lucidly written book, Hoving adds to the growing new scholarship that rejects stereotypes of a 'childlike' Cornell, instead revealing an artist engaged with the world. Hoving traces the sources of myriad images and ideas that fueled the artist's lifelong fascination with all things celestial. . . . Her book's analytical strengths are based on extensive research in the Cornell archives and a keen eye for telling details. Cornell emerges as a man of his times, one for whom art and science enriched one another."--E. Housefield,Choice"[T]his book will significantly change the way Cornell's works are examined--depicting him as a scientist as much as a dreamer--and is a welcome addition to the ever-expanding literature on the artist."--James Boaden,Burlington Magazine"Joseph Cornell and Astronomymakes a compelling case for Cornell's engagement far outside of parochial concerns by demonstrating his lifelong interest in and serious study of astronomy. . . . Kirsten Hoving has provided a clear and thorough discussion of one important aspect of his work."--R.K. Dickson,Bloomsbury Review"Kirsten Hoving has achieved a high point in scholarship about this elusive but influential figure in American Art. This is a beautifully written and persuasively argued book, one that contributes decisively to Cornell studies and speaks directly to the shared creative aspects of scientific and artistic pursuits."--Stephanie L. Taylor,Journal for the History of Astronomy