How Do You Capture the Tragedy of War? (with Sabin Howard)

This book, written by Betty Edwards, is a classic in the field of art instruction. It teaches readers how to draw by shifting their focus from symbolic thinking to visual perception. Edwards argues that anyone can learn to draw by accessing the creative potential of the right hemisphere of the brain. The book includes various exercises such as contour drawings, negative space, sighting, portrait drawings, and working with colors, light, and shadow. It also features techniques like upside-down drawing to help learners overcome the interference of verbal thinking and engage more fully with the visual aspects of drawing. The book is highly recommended for beginners and has been praised for its ability to transform one's approach to drawing and artistic expression[2][4][5].

In this book, Joseph Campbell explores his theory of the 'monomyth', a universal pattern found in the mythological narratives of various cultures. He details the stages of the 'hero's journey', which include departure from the ordinary world, initiation into a supernatural world, and return with a boon. Campbell draws on a wide range of mythological sources and integrates insights from psychology, particularly from Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, to illustrate the common elements of heroic myths across different cultures.

Stefan Zweig's "The World of Yesterday" is a poignant memoir reflecting on the author's life in Vienna before and during the rise of Nazism. Zweig's evocative prose paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, capturing the cultural vibrancy and intellectual ferment of pre-war Vienna. The memoir explores themes of memory, loss, and the fragility of civilization. Zweig's personal experiences and observations provide a profound insight into the social and political changes that transformed Europe in the early 20th century. The book is a testament to Zweig's literary skill and his ability to convey profound emotions with grace and sensitivity. It's a moving and insightful reflection on a world lost to history.

In 'What Is Art?', Tolstoy argues that art is a means of communicating feelings to others, with the ultimate goal of uniting people in shared emotions. He rejects the traditional aesthetic view that art is based on beauty, instead emphasizing that true art must serve the progress and improvement of humanity. Tolstoy believes that art should be accessible to all people, not just the privileged, and that it should foster empathy and understanding. He criticizes art that is partisan or serves the interests of the ruling class, advocating for art that promotes universal values and social justice.