GIMPEL, Jean. The Cult of Art: Against Art and Artists.

(London): Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1969.  First UK edition.  Hardcover.  22.2cm by 14.7cm.  178 pages. A thought-provoking analysis of how art has been elevated to a sacred institution in modern society, examining the cultural and social dynamics that have shaped our perception of art and its role in contemporary life. Gimpel challenges the reader to reconsider the values surrounding art and to question the systems that determine what is considered “great” or “worthy” in the art world.  When the book was first published in France (1968) it provoked an outraged leading article in The Times Literary Supplement which found Gimpel’s views ‘thoroughly disturbing’. A very good copy, foxing to page edges, in dust jacket designed by Gerry Cinamon.