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A Humument
A Treated Victorian Novel
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Check link for latest rating. ( 1,006 ratings, 106 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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A Humument appeals to readers and appreciators of innovative art and literature, particularly those interested in postmodernism, visual art books, and experimental storytelling. It is ideal for collectors and anyone fascinated by the intersection of text and visual creativity.
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Description
The final edition of the late Tom Phillips's defining masterpiece of postmodernism.
In 1966, the artist Tom Phillips discovered A Human Document (1892), an obscure Victorian romance by W.H. Mallock, and set himself the task of altering every page, by painting, collage or cut-up techniques, to create an entirely new version. Some of Mallock's original text remains intact, and through the illustrated pages, the character of Bill Toge, Phillips's anti-hero, and his romantic plight emerges.
First published in 1973, A Humument—as Phillips titled his altered book—quickly established itself as a cult classic. From that point, the artist worked towards a complete revision of his original, adding new pages in successive editions. That process is now finished. This final edition presents an entirely new and complete version of A Humument. It includes a revised Introduction by the late artist, in which he reflects on the 50-year project, and 92 new illustrated pages.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The book has been praised as "simply astounding ... and addictive" (Stephen Fry) and described as "one of the most original, fascinating and lovely books of all time" (Brian Eno). It is regarded as an art object by The New York Times, and celebrated for its sly humour, eroticism, and intricate layers by the Sunday Times, London Review of Books, and The Guardian. Critics highlight its unique blend of philosophy, romance, and art, calling it "a teeming world of humour, sex, sadness and art" and "one of the freshest and most original pieces of art literary work you are likely to see".
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780500292891
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 19 January 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd
Edition: Final edition
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Width: 125.0mm
Height: 175.0mm
Weight: 590g
Pages: 392
About the Author
Tom Phillips CBE RA (1937-2022) was a painter, writer, translator and composer. Collaborators included the filmmaker Peter Greenaway (A TV Dante), the novelist Salman Rushdie (Merely Connect) and the composer Tarik O'Regan (Heart of Darkness). Informing Phillips's work for half a century, A Humument appeared in many guises beyond book and exhibition form, including operatically in Irma, digitally as an app and aurally, read by the artist himself. Phillips held a 12-year-long position as chairman of the exhibitions committee at the Royal Academy in London, and also served as a trustee of the National Portrait Gallery and the British Museum. He was appointed CBE in 2002.
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