Miguel Covarrubias

Miguel Covarrubias is best remembered as a celebrity caricaturist. He came to the United States from Mexico at the age of nineteen and was an immediate sensation. Soon after his arrival in New York in 1923, Covarrubias through Carl Van Vechten, became involved with the writers and artists of the Harlem Renaissance, both personally and professionally. He illustrated The Weary Blues for Langston Hughes, who declared that Covarrubias was "the only artist I know whose Negro things have a 'Blues touch about them.' " In 1927 Covarrubias published Negro Drawings, which drew on his observations of Harlem and its residents. The book contained a number of images the artist termed "type sketches" of African Americans of the jazz age. Although exaggeration of form and behavior is one of the hallmarks of caricature, these images seem to be also about dance and movement as racial behaviors. Critics of the time celebrated the images for being free of caricature, despite some obvious references to ideas of black rhythm. Covarrubias himself declared, "I don't consider my drawings caricatures. They are - well - they are drawings. A caricature is the exaggerated character of an individual for satirical purpose. These drawings are more from a serious point of view." - From Enter the New Negroes: Images of Race in American Culture by Martha Jane NadellThe reprint of this book consists of fifty-six full-page plates divided into four sections: Varia, The Theatre, The Cabarets, Three Cuban Women. It maintains the exact formatting and text of the original.

This vintage book contains Miguel Covarrubias's 1937 work, "The Island of Bali." Comprising a wealth of information on day-to-day life, culture, manners, and religion on the 'Island of the Gods', this volume furnishes an authentic 'bird's-eye view' of Balinese society. It is highly recommended for those with an interest in the subject. Miguel Covarrubias (1904 - 1957) was a Mexican artist, caricaturist, ethnologist and historian - famed for his illustrations and theatre work. Many antiquarian texts such as this, are increasingly hard to come by and expensive, and it is with this in mind that we are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high quality edition. It comes complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.

First published in 1937, Island of Bali is still regarded by many as the most authoritative text on Bali and its fascinating people. Included is a wealth of information on the daily life, art, customs and religion of this magical "Island of the Gods." In the author's own words it presents a "bird's-eye view of Balinese life and culture." Miguel Covarrubias, the author, was a noted painter and caricaturist as well as a student of anthropology. He lived in Bali for a total of three years in the early 1930s, and today his account is as fresh and insightful as it was when it was originally published. Introducing the island with a survey of hits history, geography and social structure, Covarrubias goes on to present a captivating picture of Balinese art, music and drama. Religion, witchcraft, death and cremation are also covered. Island of Bali will appeal to anyone with interest in this unique island, from general Eat, Pray, Love readers to serious anthropologist alike. Complementing the text are 90 drawings by Covarrubias and countless others by Balinese artists. Also included are 114 half-tone photographs, and five full-color paintings by the author.