Sounds by Wassily Kandinsky is a reissue of a classic in art history and theory, particularly with regard to abstract art. It also speaks directly to the interplay between different art forms, in this case, poetry and painting (or woodcuts).

This translation is very good. Poetry, especially poetry that plays with words and sounds, can be very difficult to translate. There is no perfect translation but this one does, I think, capture the essence of what each poem is doing, both individually and in concert with the other poems and the images.

From previous experience with an earlier edition of this book I would say that this will appeal to a wide range of readers but within each type of reader there will be a wide range of opinions. I'll try to explain what I mean. Among artists and those interested in art history and theory, many will find this both an inspiring and an eyeopening book. It is this group for whom the book is probably most valuable since it is one of the few cases where the text and the images are the work of the same person. As a transitional work into abstract art, this speaks to both the what and the why behind it. That said, I have known people in this group who simply don't find much of value here. They are in the minority but enough to be worth mentioning. That said, they do grudgingly accept that it is still an essential work for what it does. Among the group of people who simply enjoy art, even those who like Kandinsky, this book is often hit or miss. Between the wordplay and the woodcuts that represent Kandinsky's own transitional period the book sometimes just doesn't appeal to what the person wants. Again, I have found these to be in the minority but significant enough to mention. In other words, like anything that is new (at the time) and tries to straddle lines (of art forms in this case) it won't speak to everyone.

Having said all that, I think this edition will have fewer people who don't find a way into it. That will largely be because of an excellent introduction from Elizabeth R Napier, the translator. She helps the reader to connect both what is happening within each poem as well as how that relates to the artwork. This provides many more avenues into the work, especially for those of us who are not well-versed in the theory of art or poetry.

All in all I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in art, especially abstract art. This will also interest anyone who enjoys the borderland between various art forms. While this speaks primarily to poetry and painting with a nod to music the way of thinking and approaching the border can apply to other such borders. And make no mistake, these are open borders with every side benefiting from the exchange.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )