Mentors: The Making of an Art Historian

Mentors: The Making of an Art Historian by Francis M. Naumann is a difficult book to put down. While it is hardly high drama, nary a car chase or explosion in sight, Mentors is nonetheless riveting in a quiet way. It’s easy to curl up and read about these characters and just be with them for awhile; although they are real people, make no mistake: every person mentioned in this book has much character. Partial autobiography and partial ode to his most beloved mentors, Naumann’s writing is entertaining and authentic. He sings the praises of those who formed his own character as well as embraces their flaws. From the bordellos to the classrooms and from high rises to high on the hills of France and Italy, this story offers a unique and riveting view of the world of art history and the people therein. Much of the book focuses on the power of those you choose to emulate as opposed to those you are born to. This is a pleasant, heartfelt book that should make all of the author’s mentors proud.