Chronicle Books

Catalog L.A.; birth of an art capital; 1955-1985.

The 2006 exhibit at the Centre Pompidou in Paris featured work from over 80 artists as a means of showcasing art in Los Angeles during an important 30-year period. The work in LA was dynamic and distinct, and it has been under appreciated given the large shadow cast by New York. This catalog begins with essays discussing LA as an "experimental city," southern California culture, and independent film. A year-by-year compendium follows, comprising the bulk of the book: a half dozen pages or more devoted to each year, with a melange of captioned images, narrative text, and excerpted magazine articles and interviews offering a multifaceted view of the city and its creative spirit. The format is oversize: 11x11 inches. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The garden at night; private views of public edens.

This beautifully illustrated publication features introductions by actor William Shatner and author Christopher Dewdney, but the focus is almost entirely on the images of photographer Linda Rutenberg, taken at 21 different botanical gardens across the United States and Canada. Brief introductions tell the story of each garden; every full-color photograph is captioned with the plant's common and Latin names, and the book is peppered throughout with quotes from Romantic-era poets suiting the images. The publication includes both a garden and a plant index, and is intended for a general readership. Oversize: 11.5x13.25 inches (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

In the Victorian style. (reprint, 1991)

This is a paperbound reprint of a 1991 book. American historian and museum consultant Delehanty and photographer Richard Sexton offer an illustrated overview of San Fransisco's Victorian architecture, from the Mansard and Queen Anne style homes of Pacific Heights, to the beautiful Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park. Contemporary Victorian-inspired interiors are also featured, and the final chapter gives consideration to the building and servicing of a Victorian house. Oversize: 9.5x13 inches. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Marilyn Monroe; a life in pictures.

This collection contains 189 full-page photographs recording the life of Marilyn Monroe from her 1926 birth to her 1962 death, represented in a blurry shot of a tearful Joe DiMaggio. The pictures come from photo shoots, movie sets, candid interviews, public appearances, and family records. Most of the photographs are b&w. The format is oversize: 10.5x12 inches. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)