![The Book of Genesis Illustrated by R. Crumb [Hardcover]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_tRUKzWaiy8Wiuy3kPHMZNLH0QUYKYlp5yR8dkEzp6G1aiRvqtuL-DpiSFZmSOzf4qwh2nBnqGtZZKr4xr6J7X9QeeoIQT6-32REUoECGhn1ZYTs2p_k-SnfTf0U5xs4rM=s0-d)
Sorry to disagree with the previous review, but I think it needs to be said...if you love Crumb's art, you will love this book. I am stunned at the sheer volume of work it took to illustrate the thing. Awestruck, really. I've always loved Crumb's art and work, at first (when I was young) because he seemed so twisted and funny, but later, because I realized what a truly fine artist he is. I say, never mind the "is it passionate" crap. In March of '09, some online articles were calling this upcoming work "subversive"... Not so. There's no intent to be comical here...or to insult Judeo-Christian theology. It seems, in every sense, to be a legitimate illustration of the Book of Genesis. And, I found it beautiful, because Crumb's attention to visual detail is beautiful.
Crumb relies on two sources for the translation including the King James version, and more so, Robert Alter's "The Five Books Of Moses". So, sure, there may be some disagreement in translation for individuals who are version specific. I would suggest we look past that and just enjoy the book for its merits and Crumb's talent.
One should be aware that a few panels may be considered "steamy" for younger children. Some nudity appears and, for instance, when in Chapter 19 it is written that Lot's daughters gave their father wine to drink and then lay with him, Crumb illustrates it. It is my belief, however, that Crumb's intent here is simply illustration, not subversion.
At any rate, it is an amazing work of art, not to mention a book of many important stories.
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