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Magritte: This is Not a Biography (Art Masters) Kindle & comiXology

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 25 ratings

Giddied by the prospect of promotion, Charles Singulier makes the whimsical decision to buy a bowler hat. It is a satisfying, if fanciful, purchase. But there's a problem: this particular hat once belonged to the Surrealist painter René Magritte, and by donning it Charles has unwittingly entered the artist's unbridled, off-kilter world. The choice is clear: uncover the secrets of Magritte's life and work – or be doomed to wear the hat forever.  Charles embarks on an exploration of Magritte's imaginative landscape, examining the ideas and penetrating the mysteries of a paradoxical figure: a painter who didn't like to paint; an instinctive anarchist who lived a suburban, petty bourgeois existence; a lonely, melancholy soul never far from his friends and collaborators.   In  Magritte: This is not a Biography, Vincent Zabus and Thomas Campi paint a panoramic and revealing portrait of the great Surrealist, employing a playfulness and wit reminiscent of Magritte himself.
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

As the title emphatically states, this graphic novel is a "un-biography" of the famous surrealist painter René Magritte. The story follows the significant moments in the man's life by hijacking the unassuming Charles Singular as he decides to buy a bowler hat, previously Magritte's, on impulse. The hat transports Charles into the artist's world, where everything is suspended in a dreamlike retelling of Magritte's past, and it stubbornly refuses to come off until Charles uncovers the secrets behind some of the most famous art of all time. He meets both imaginary and real-life characters, who highlight the nonsensical whimsy of Campi's illustrations. The line between fantasy and reality blurs so much that the end of the novel raises as many questions as the beginning. While not an in-depth examination of Magritte's life, this is a unique, absorbing way to learn about art and history. At times jumping over portions of time line, the book still effectively explores the sources of the artist's inspiration. Campi's magnificent visuals are a triumph—reminiscent of Magritte's style and subjects but with Campi's personal twist. They can be enjoyed with or without the accompanying narrative, though mature art lovers will most appreciate the thematic connections. VERDICT A sumptuous feast for the eyes and an intriguing avenue into art history—a winning combination for art aficionados.—Michael Marie Jacobs, Darlington School, GA

About the Author

Vincent Zabus is a Belgian comics writer. He is the author of two series for children, among other books.

Thomas Campi is an Italian comic-book artist. He has illustrated two books written by Vincent Zabus

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B077SMJR5K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ SelfMadeHero; Illustrated edition (November 2, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 2, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 203223 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Not enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 76 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 25 ratings

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
25 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2018
A charming visual book for the Magritte fan. Also, a nice gift for one, also. A most enjoyable way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2021
Great book ... poorly shipped!!., had a razor cut on back cover
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2018
Was expecting something else. It's a comics book.

Top reviews from other countries

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Marcela Lanna I @mabookcluboficial
5.0 out of 5 stars Historia bonita e tragica lindamente ilustrada
Reviewed in Brazil on December 13, 2021
Amo esta coleção, tenho outros livros de HQ sobre artistas. Os desenhos sao ótimos. Nao conheci a historia de vida de Magritte, muito trágica e triste, forte. O livro foi bem legal, diferente em estética dos da coleção e mais alto na lombada também (acho que coleções devem seguir os mesmos padrões de tamanho, pelo menos - para colocarmos na estante certinhos). Gostei muito.
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Paul H. Davies
5.0 out of 5 stars Surreal
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2018
Fun but intelligent graphic novel of Belgium surrealist
Faye
4.0 out of 5 stars Surreal Graphic Novel
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 20, 2018
I brought this to see how some influenced by a Surrealist artist would translate that into a graphic novel. It's cool to see Magritte's paintings being involved in the story. The story was probably the weakest part for me. Things happened and I don't really know why. But maybe I'm missing something.
markanthony
3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 9, 2018
It starts very well but the story reaches a plateau but not a climax.
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