First Impressions: Hieronymus Bosch

This biography of 15th-century Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch is written and designed especially for young readers (ages 10-15). While not much is known about the life of Bosch, author and scholar Gary Schwartz melds what little information there is with vivid descriptions about what life was like in the 1400s to convey, in particular, a sense of how religion played a central role in the understanding of art at that time. Schwartz presents his own and other scholars' interpretations of Bosch's symbol-rich paintings, but most importantly, he challenges young readers to draw their own conclusions. The book is illustrated throughout with carefully selected, enlarged details, and Bosch's most famous work, the multi- paneled Garden of Delights, is presented in a gorgeous gatefold. Although intended for a younger audience, this clothbound volume is produced to the same exacting standards as any Abrams book: the paper quality and printing lavish, and no attention to detail has been spared. Included are an index, a list of illustrations, and 36 of the 55 illustrations reproduced in full color.