Famous for his "Hookscapes," the painter James Clarke Hook was a close associate of the Pre-Raphaelites. In writing this biography of her great-grandfather, Juliet McMaster had access to documents unavailable to others. The result is much more than the typical art history biography. We get an intimate view of the life of a Victorian painter, his training, his travels, his friendships with other artists and notable people, and his determination to innovate. Along the way we learn about the Royal Academy and the Victorian art world. Although McMaster dedicated her life to the study of literature, she steps comfortably into the role of art critic as she examines Hook's works in context with his contemporaries. This first comprehensive study of Hook's life and work reminds the world of an important artist whose name was a household word in Victorian times, and whose glowing paintings deserve to be remembered today. Beautiful illustrations. Cloth. No jacket as published. McGill-Queen's University Press. 2023. Hb. NEW. $45.00
