Book cover of The Painted Word

Book description

Reissued for today's reader with a redesigned cover by the renowned artist Seymour Chwast, Tom Wolfe trains his satirical eye on Modern Art in this “masterpiece” (The Washington Post).

What has become of art?

In his dazzling and controversial book The Painted Word, Tom Wolfe explores this question and more…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Painted Word as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Filled with many humorous pages of ridicule about the modern art world, one big reason that I love this book is Wolfe’s attack on “art speak,” the nauseating language used by critics and artists alike. He smugly suggests that in today’s world, visual art only exists to illustrate the text!

Pretentious prose has become a norm in art world communication. Although artists vehemently criticize this style of writing, unfortunately, many believe that their work will not be taken seriously unless they imitate what they despise.

If you love The Painted Word...

Book cover of Whiskey Rebel

Whiskey Rebel by Jeffrey Dunn,

A shell-shocked soldier returns home, questioning the very meaning of American freedom.

While panning for gold, Iraq-war veteran Punxie Tawney meets Hamilton Chance, a barefoot, manic, obsessive drummer with a burning desire—to distill tax-free whiskey just like his forefathers during the American Whiskey Rebellion of 1794.

The two join forces,…

Want books like The Painted Word?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 99 books like The Painted Word.

Browse books like The Painted Word

Book cover of Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking
Book cover of Get the Picture
Book cover of Aphorisms for Artists

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,340

readers submitted
so far, will you?