Disappearing Through the Skylight

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant and inconoclastic
Review: At first I didn't know what to make of this sometimes bizarre but always intriguing work. At some point I stopped trying to categorize it and decided to accept the thing as it was. It is true that subjects seem to vary but a careful reading reveals an underlying unity.

The essays are certainly not traditional but nevertheless they appeal and "work". It is culture and all its many facets that are explored in this book. From art to architecture to poetry (great chapter on Dada) to symbols, evolution, technology in all its many variants - eclectic essays accompany each. There are many diagrams, photographs, charts, etc that enhance the reader's pleasure. Some insights into the acceleration of evolutionary change are quite readable.

Rating:
Summary: PJ T
Review: Enjoyment of Hardison's book depends on the purpose of your reading--for leisure or credit. I first read it as a requirement for a class I was taking and did not appreciate it on its face. It gives a picture of 20th century art, architecture, poetry and science. It offers up interesting comparisons of artist's oddities and scientists inquisitiveness and how each prejudiced the other throughout the century. It is an interesting picture. If you are familiar with 20th century art and technology but strive to gain a deeper understanding of culture and technological changes, this book is for you.

Rating:
Summary: undervalued book
Review: Hardison's book has been out of print for a few years now, which is really a shame. It tells the story of 20th century art, architecture, poetry and science. The author compares the curiosity of artists and scientists and how they influenced each other throughout the century. It is a real eye-opener, especially when you are familiar with 20th century art and architecture but want to understand more of it.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: O.B. Hardison's book is a wonderous masterpiece that melds the modern worlds of science and nature. He is a true visionary who can draw parallels between the inate beauty in nature and the creations of the overly form-factored twentith century man. His optimitic views on where we are and where we are going are a source of inspiration.

Bravo! By all means, read on MacDuff!