Hopper: Writers on Art

In Hopper, Pulitzer-winning poet Mark Strand (Blizzard of One) turns his attention to another medium in a series of short critical essays-cum-emotional responses to 30 paintings. His visceral reflections cut to the heart of Edward Hopper's appeal: the arresting geometry of his images; their stillness; their indifference to the viewer, which makes them all the more opaque and compelling. Strand's descriptions of many of his subjects are as deadpan as the originals: ""In Nighthawks, three people are sitting in what must be an all-night diner. The diner is situated on a corner...."" Fans of Strand will enjoy his cleanly wrought personal reactions to a much-loved American painter. (Nov. 23)