Best book of art writing ever. These all first appeared in the late lamented LA journal Art Issues, and Hickey's writing was why I subscribed. (Though there was also a Peter Schjeldahl article on Martin Luther that just killed me.) The journal did not survive its creeping smartiness, but fortunately before it folded its tents it published this fine and handsome anthology of its most miraculous writer's incidental works. You will not regret reading this. You'll not see art the same way after. ( )

Pontormo, Flaubert, Chet Baker, Ed Ruscha, Bubble Puppy, Shiva's Headband, Tristam Shandy, quotidian, plangent, tristesse, horror vacui, teological,......head spinning, captivating, brilliant... ( )

A few great essays about art. A bunch of pretty good ones. I do like Hickey's style, though, and respect his thinking. ( )

These lovely essays on pop culture, art and music, have altered my views and added to my overall art vocabulary. I especially love his essay on Hank Williams in the Glass Bottom Cadillac. Although a bit dated in perspective, most of the writing is classic and withstands modern standards of art criticism. ( )

also see Dave Eggers, David Sedaris