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 Kurtz

Kurtz by John Lawson III,

Annie Kurtz joins the Marines, deploys to Afghanistan, and has to make a split-second decision. She can follow her orders. Or she can follow her conscience. Nick Willard is a journalist who has pined for Annie since they were in prep school together. While doing his job, he discovers what…

Want books like The Painted Word?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 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 2026!

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

164

readers submitted
so far, will you?