Messenger of Beauty: The Life and Visionary Art of Nicholas Roerich

Messenger of Beauty: The Life and Visionary Art of Nicholas Roeri...

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Editorial Reviews

A celebration of the artist, mystic, and Nobel nominee Nicholas Roerich, whose life and work significantly influenced the development of modern art and culture.

Messenger of Beauty opens the door to the mystical world of Nicholas Roerich and invites us to witness his far-reaching vision. Artist, writer, educator, archaeologist, explorer, mystic, and peacemaker, Roerich (1874-1947) left a rich legacy of some 7,000 paintings, drawings, and set and costume designs (most notably for Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring); 30 books on the mystic East; and countless articles and lectures. The Roerich Peace Pact--a remarkable treaty signed by President Roosevelt and 26 other heads of state that sought to preserve cultural monuments during times of war--earned the artist a nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize. Messenger of Beauty includes 88 color plates that cover the full scope of Roerich's artistic career, from ancient Slavic, mythic, and archaeological subjects to breathtaking Himalayan landscapes and religious themes that span the spiritual traditions of the world. 

First paperback edition of Nicholas Roerich: The Life and Art of a Russian Master 

Customer Reviews

can't go wrong with this one

Reviewed by Caraculiambro, 2009-08-01

If you're looking for a nice coffee-table book with reproductions of Roerich's paintings, this book will do nicely. If you're looking for a text biography of Roerich, this book will also do. It's basically a combination of the two.

Unlike many coffee table books, the text you're getting is not sparse: you're getting a respectable, critical biography, not just a load of hagiographic gushing. But that, unfortunately, is the problem. When you sit down to read through it, you've got this awkward book to hold, making it hard to curl up with this thing.

Purists might want to note that the color plates are matte. I'm no judge of paper quality, but the caliber of the reproductions didn't strike me as especially stunning. If you simply care about the quality of the color reproductions, I don't think you're going to be jumping for joy when you see this.

Nicholas Roerich

Reviewed by Ms. C. A. Harris, 2007-02-11

This is an exquisitely beautiful book and immediately transports one to 'another dimention'. Roerich's paintings,his unusual use of colour and hues capture a luminous quality that speaks to the soul. His writing, paintings and travels are a true inspiration of the human spirit.

A Constant Source of Inspiration

Reviewed by Mr. F. E. Perry, 2000-09-18

This is an excellent book on the beautiful and inspiring paintings of Russian artist Nicholas Roerich. Exceptional value with 88 colour reproductions of his work. The written material is faultless and fascinating. Roerich was dedicated to Beauty and I find that whenever I dip into this book I am completely captivated by his ability to speak to my innermost heart and spirit through the language of colour and the rich symbolism of his paintings. Fascinated by the legends of Shambhala and the wisdom of the ancients, Roerich's paintings and Decter's words take us on a wonderful journey that will enrich our lives. Roerich was a very deeply spiritual man and so his paintings serve this higher purpose. If you wish to light the inner fire of your spirit through art and beauty, then this is the book for you.

A fascinating biograpy with over 80 paintings reproduced.

Reviewed by Paul Huston (phuston@bigplanet.com), 1999-01-18

If you are looking for a book about the life and art of Nicholas Roerich or if you are looking for a fascinating account of a modern mystic, one of the great men of this time, this is it. The book contains over 80 of his paintings, drawings and theatrical set designs. The biographical accounting is fascinating and inspiring. I found this book very enjoyable and highly recommend it. Also suggest checking out the web site of the Nicholas Roerich museum in N.Y. city. Paul Huston