Description
Author Nicolette Devas
Publisher Morrow; 1st U.S. edition. (January 1, 1967)
Binding hardcover with dustjacket
Condition fine with the dustjacket protected with Brodart Archival Covering
Summary
Two Flamboyant Fathers is a vivid and entertaining memoir by Nicolette Devas that transports readers into the bohemian lifestyle of two eccentric artists—Arthur Rackham and Augustus John. Devas, their daughter, presents an intimate portrait of a vanished world, where creativity and unconventionality shaped the everyday lives of these remarkable men. This narrative is a window into early 20th-century artistic circles, filled with vivid anecdotes and emotional depth.
Two Flamboyant Fathers by Nicolette Devas features a wide range of significant figures from the bohemian art world that would intrigue modern readers interested in bohemian life, particularly in early 20th-century London. Some key figures include:
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Gwen John – The sister of Augustus John, Gwen was an accomplished artist in her own right and lived a reclusive yet influential life. Her quiet, introspective approach to art contrasts sharply with the flamboyant personalities in the book.
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Dora Carrington – Another notable artist connected with the bohemian set, Carrington had a famously tumultuous love life and was part of the Bloomsbury Group. Her life story, filled with passion and tragedy, appeals to readers fascinated by artistic rebellion.
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Jacob Epstein – A controversial sculptor known for breaking with tradition, Epstein's works shocked the art world at the time. His presence in bohemian circles underscores the era's radicalism in artistic and cultural expression.
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Augustus John – As one of the central figures in the book, Augustus was a charismatic painter with a larger-than-life personality, infamous for his affairs, unconventional family life, and bold, dramatic art. His relationships with other avant-garde artists are a major draw.
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Arthur Rackham – While Rackham is best known for his fantastical illustrations (such as in Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland), his life as an eccentric and quiet figure in contrast to John's flamboyance is equally intriguing for readers who love exploring the dynamics of creative personalities.
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Dylan Thomas – The famous poet, known for his intense literary voice and erratic lifestyle, intersects with the bohemian art world that Devas vividly describes. His presence adds literary depth to the book, appealing to fans of early 20th-century modernism.
These individuals, along with others from the artistic and intellectual communities, shape a colorful and compelling world in the book. For a modern reader fascinated by the freedom, rebellion, and creativity of the bohemian lifestyle, Two Flamboyant Fathers offers a rich array of personalities to explore.