Book description
From the moment he arrived in New Mexico in 1964, Gus Blaisdell
(1935-2003) was a legendary presence. Famous in Albuquerque as a
writer, teacher, publisher, editor, and especially as the proprietor
of the Living Batch bookstore, Blaisdell was also a brilliant critic
whose essays influenced readers throughout the country and across the
Atlantic. This long-awaited collection of Blaisdell's critical
writings includes essays on literature, art, and film, along with
moving tributes by some of the distinguished writers who numbered
Blaisdell among their friends. Introductory essays by philosopher
Stanley Cavell and literary critic David Morris join colleague Ira
Jaffe's poignant memoir to provide perspectives on the man by friends
who knew him well. Glimpses of Blaisdell's vivid personality can be
had from the many photographs included, and the diligently researched
chronology compiled by Nicole Blaisdell Ivey tracks the course of her
father's complicated life.
Art critic William Peterson lives in Albuquerque,
where he is an adjunct instructor in the Department of Art and Art
History at the University of New Mexico. Longtime editor of
ARTSPACE magazine, he has also been a correspondent for
ARTnews and an associate editor at the J. Paul Getty Museum.
Nicole Blaisdell Ivey is a photographer and writer.
Her work has appeared in The Sun magazine, New Mexico
Photographer, and others. She lives in Albuquerque.
