James Hall is a freelance art critic and historian. A former art critic of The Guardian (for which he was awarded the first Bernard Benvir prize for art criticism), he is the author of many essays and of two critically acclaimed books: The World as Sculpture: the changing status of sculpture from the Renaissance to the present day (1999); Michelangelo and the reinvention of the human body (2005). His most recent publication is an imaginary dialogue with Michelangelo, Coffee with Michelangelo (2006).
an engrossing study, deeply and imaginatively researched... [the book] oozes credibility. * Keith Miller, Times Literary Supplement * A grippingly enjoyable, profoundly insightful, excitingly provocative book * Felipe Fernandez-Armesto, The Art Newspaper * ...brilliant book... * Andrew Marr, Start the Week * The right versus left issue is fascinating...[a] searching new book. * Michael Glover, The Independent * This pioneering and entertaining book does much more than succeed in its modest aim of prompting 'further reflection and research.' * John McEwan, The Tablet * Hall is refreshingly broad in his approach. * John McEwan, The Tablet * This is a clever book that has the great merit of persuading us to look more closely at familiar paintings. * Paul Johnson, Literary Review * An excellent entry point for a close look at a painting, especially one we take for granted, and there is no denying that James Hall has written a stimulating and valuable book. * Paul Johnson, Literary Review *