*Starred Review* The centennial of the birth of Joseph Cornell, one of the most original and continually revelatory artists of all time, is the occasion for publication of the most exciting monograph devoted to his magical boxes and poetic collages yet created, a sumptuous volume accompanied by a state-of-the-art DVD-ROM. Crisp color reproductions of Cornell's work, suitably set against black backgrounds, offer a wealth of gorgeously detailed close-ups, and the unusually eloquent commentary reveals the aesthetic, spiritual, and intellectual intricacy inherent in Cornell's unique creations. In elucidating the self-taught artist's passion for the acquisition of myriad found objects and images and his penchant for classifying his diverse collection of mass-produced treasures, curator and Cornell expert Hartigan highlights Cornell's fascination with science, an often overlooked facet of his marvelously inclusive oeuvre. Vine, managing editor of Art in America, writes with great sympathy and knowledge about Cornell's devotion to the Christian Science faith and its profound influence on his art. And art collector Robert Lehrman describes what it's like to live with Cornell's cleverly constructed boxes, observing that his "best works reveal themselves gradually." Indeed, Cornell's chimerical, wistful, cosmic, and witty art incites fresh astonishment with each in-depth look. Donna Seaman
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