She sees Peggy as emblematic of so many repressed women of that time. Gave great insight to a powerful woman so complex in nature I still wish I understood . This in turn inspired American artists to test new approaches and led to the rise of Abstract Impressionism and the shift in focus of innovative art from Europe to the United States. But I found the book to be repetitive, primarily about Guggenheim's failed marriages and affairs and poor parenting skills. Very little to admire from this bunch of extreme narcissists and Peggy was the biggest of them all. A patron of art since the 1930s, Peggy Guggenheim, in a candid self-portrait, provides an insider's view of the early days of modern art, with revealing accounts of her eccentric wealthy family, her personal and professional relationships, and often surprising portrayals of the artists themselves. She lead quite the colorful life as far as multiple lovers and artist and literary friends. I did not care for the author's writing style. She was fascinating, to say the least. Francine Prose covers Guggenheim's interest in and collection of art in Europe by the "degenerate" group Hitler deplored. The author recognises Peggy's flaws and her insecurities as well her good points, is sympathetic and understanding without fawning, which is refreshing to read. Peggy Guggenheim was one of those people. Hardcover And so's their work!Fascinating look at a complex woman. Alt title: Surrealists behaving badly! I'm fascinated by art (of many genres and of many historic periods) and endlessly intrigued by the artists who create these works. Wealthy industrialists with a passion for painting, sculpture, and the like, their eponymous museum is a landmark of the New York City art world. Though family life was touched by tragedy, she developed into an influential and powerful collector and promoter of contemporary art. That said if I ever revisit Venice I am not missing her museum!I was very excited to read about the woman who almost single handedly brought modern art to the world's attention. A good read and introduction to the art world in post-war USA.A sympathetic and brief biography about Peggy Guggenheim, socialite and art collector, who brought Surrealism to America and Abstract Expressionism to Venice. Guggenheim is portrayed as insecure and lacking confidence in her own taste; she sought advice from many sources. "Peggy Guggenheim: Shock of the Modern" provides an engaging story of the woman (with her strengths, foibles, and sexual adventuresomeness) and of the many artists with whom she was inA very enjoyable read. In a breezy way, the book effectively outlines Guggenheim's remarkable life and her impact on the development of modern art. She was an early promoter of Jackson Pollock, for example, and was at the center of a world of creative people. When it came to her family and social life, she never gets her priorities in order, allowing everyone and herself to suffer through some awfully hard times. Et c'était lui rendre un très juste hommage, dans l'exposition Paris-New York organisée en 1977 au Centre Georges-Pompidou, que de faire de la reconstitution de la galerie Art of this Century qu'elle anima ave Paperback Rather it is one of a series of works published by Yale University Press called Jewish Lives. I did not care for the author's writing style. Interesting to read about her life and how the collection came into being. In addition, the organization of the book was stilted and information often fit poorly with the focus of a particular chapter. Though family life was touched by tragedy, she developed into an influential and powerful collector and promoter of contemporary art.

I was interested in learning about Peggy Guggenheim's art collecting history, but this book focused so much on the titillating aspects of her life, that I finished the book not knowing many specifics about her work in the art world.