THE FOUR ART BOOKS YOU NEED TO READ THIS OCTOBER

From Soviet Art to Pre-Raphaelite diaries, here are the four art books to read this October

Art of the Soviet Union

Rena Lavery and Ivan Lindsay; Series editor: Katia Kapushesky

It hasn’t been easy, from beyond Russian borders, to gain a true depth of understanding of the art of the Soviet Union – but this is starting to change. Bodies such as Pushkin House, the UK’s oldest independent Russian cultural centre, continue to promote Russian art. Exhibitions, including last year’s Revolution: Russian Art, 1917–1932, at the Royal Academy, have focused on soaring moments in Soviet art history. And auctions, among them Sotheby’s Art of the Soviet Union last November, have featured rare opportunities for ardent collectors. Now comes a new series of works in four volumes – Still Lifes, Nudes, Portraits and Landscapes – that provides us with an overview of Russian art. Written by art dealers Rena Lavery, an expert on Russian paintings, and Ivan Lindsay, a specialist in European and Russian works, each volume starts with an essay from both. We learn when nude works fell under the disapproval of Soviet state authorities and discover that memento mori do not appear in Soviet still life. The authors reveal, too, how landscape painting grew in popularity in the 1930s, with resultant sophisticated techniques to show light and weather. They also flag how, in the 1960s, the scope of the Realist method in portraiture was expanded. Illustrated with colour plates, these volumes would be a fine addition to any art lover’s bookshelf.

Published by Unicorn Publishing Group; unicornpublishing.org; each volume £35

THE ILLUSTRATED LETTERS AND DIARIES OF THE PRE-RAPHAELITES

Jan Marsh

The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood captured the imagination of Victorian Britain, their work emphasising artistic introspection, naturalism and changing states of consciousness. Looking at both major and more peripheral players, this work provides insight into the dramas, aspirations and love interests of the group, told through their works, letters and diaries. Written by curator and Pre-Raphaelite expert Jan Marsh, its publication coincides with Tate Britain’s Edward Burne-Jones exhibition this winter.

Published by Batsford; pavilionbooks.com; £16.99

READING ART: ART FOR BOOK LOVERS

David Trigg

Featuring artworks that show books and reading, this title celebrates the cultural significance of the written word, across 2,000 years of art history. From Caravaggio and Whistler to Tracey Emin and Anselm Kiefer, it reveals the surprising connections between works of different eras. Written by art historian and critic David Trigg, Reading Art: Art for Book Lovers illustrates just how visual artists have portrayed the political, social and emotional importance of literary texts.

Published by Phaidon; uk.phaidon.com; £24.95

UNRAVELLED: CONTEMPORARY KNIT ART

Charlotte Vannier

Discover how yarn work is transforming the contemporary art scene in this book by designer Charlotte Vannier. Featuring the work of 40 international artists, including American sculptor Orly Genger, this new title reveals how traditional knitting techniques have been adapted for the modern age. Whether incorporating materials such as rope or wire, or using knit art to explore transgressive issues, modern artists are challenging the boundaries of the form.

Published by Thames & Hudson; thamesandhudson.com; £29.95