E Munch

In a world teetering on the brink of art criticism and existential dread, we present to you "E Munch," a delightful dive into the mind of the man who brought angst to the canvas like a toddler brings finger paints to a wall. Jean Selz takes the reader on a fantastically wobbly journey through the life of Edvard Munch, the Norwegian maestro of melancholy and creator of the iconic "The Scream." You might think you’re entering a gallery, but be warned: this is more of a twisted funhouse where emotions run rampant, and the mirrors definitely distort reality.

53 paintings in colour.

20 paintings in black and white.

Front page contains 4 get well soon messages dated 7 November 1974. So they are probably feeling better now and won’t mind you buying their present.

Published in 1974 by Crown Publishers—an establishment that may have once believed that the world needed yet another coffee table book—this tome is infused with an air of pretentiousness that would make a curator at the Tate Modern raise an eyebrow. You’ll find fascinating tidbits textually sprinkled throughout, like confetti at a party no one wanted to attend. With its glossy pages and sophisticated cover, it’s just the thing to impress your guests, assuming your guests are art scholars or very confused relatives.

Selz’s writing is a curious blend of academic rigor and eccentric commentary, leading one to wonder if he was more enamoured with Munch’s brush strokes or his penchant for brooding in dimly lit cafes. The text is peppered with insights that leave you questioning if you’re reading an art history book or a gothic novel about a painter who could use a good therapy session. One can only imagine Selz sitting in his study, an oversized beret perched jauntily on his head, pondering the weighty issues of life while clutching a cup of herbal tea.

As you flip through the pages, revel in the delightful absurdity of dissecting a man who painted like he was trying to capture the very essence of despair. You’ll encounter poetic descriptions of Munch’s more famous works, but don’t be fooled; this isn’t a straightforward analysis of his brush techniques. Instead, it’s a philosophical rollercoaster, asking questions such as, “What does it mean to scream, and can one do so silently?” In a time when the world was perhaps less chaotic than today, Munch’s work resonates with an almost prophetic unease that we, too, find ourselves musing upon as we scroll through our social media feeds.

For those with a penchant for the bizarre, Selz cleverly includes a selection of Munch’s lesser-known works—pieces that would likely send most art critics searching for the nearest exit. In addition to providing a brilliant insight into the artist’s psyche, you may also discover the unintentional comedy of the 1970s art scene. Can we really take a man seriously who painted a series titled "Madonna" while looking like he just lost his last game of Monopoly? Only time will tell.

But wait! There’s more! The book is sprightly adorned with illustrations that provide a visual treat, albeit ones that might leave you pondering if we’ve all gone a bit mad. Munch’s swirling figures dance across the pages, as if they’re engaged in a bizarre tango of tragedy, and you’re just the bemused bystander wondering why they can’t just take a nap instead. Perhaps there’s a lesson there about the perpetual pursuit of meaning amidst life’s chaos, or perhaps it’s simply a reminder that sometimes a little insanity can make for a good read.

Condition: This volume is used and exhibits the charming wear-and-tear that only a previously-loved book can boast. Expect dog-eared pages that may or may not hold the secrets of a previous owner’s existential crises, and a cover that has seen better days but remains steadfastly noble in its pursuit of cultural enlightenment. Perfect for those who appreciate the quirks of second-hand tomes and are ready to embrace the beautifully flawed nature of life itself.

So why not add this peculiar piece to your collection? Whether you’re an art aficionado or merely someone who enjoys a good chuckle at the absurdity of it all, "E Munch" is sure to stimulate conversation, contemplation, or at the very least, a bemused glance from your houseguests. Available now at Crappy Old Books, where the only thing older than the pages is the philosophy behind them.

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