Frida Kahlo in Mexico

Library Journal

In her introduction, Richmond notes that a plethora of books on Kahlo have been published recently, and that as a woman artist, Kahlo has become an "icon," largely attracting writers interested in analyzing her life and works from a distinctly political perspective. In contrast, Richmond justifies the publication of yet another book on Kahlo by focusing on her paintings and examining the impact on her art of her Mexican cultural heritage, her artistic training, her health problems, and key individuals in her life. The book doesn't claim to be a thorough biography, a catalogue raisonn of Kahlo's works, or a detailed scholarly study. Rather, it functions as an appreciation and interpretation of Kahlo and her artistic accomplishments for general readers. Most heartily recommended for public libraries while of only marginal importance to academic libraries with strong art collections.-Dr. Eugene C. Burt, Seattle