Description
Book Synopsis: In 1931, at age 24, Norton Simon invested $7,000 in a bankrupt juice bottling plant. This investment grew into Hunt Foods, which soon ruled California's canned tomatoes empire. With a rare ability to transform laggard companies into highly profitable enterprises, Simon went on to amass a huge fortune. Then, in his late forties, he turned to art collecting and built one of the greatest private collections since World War II. Suzanne Muchnic has written an intimate and very readable biography of Norton Simon and at the same time provides a thoughtful overview of Los Angeles culture in the postwar years.
The tycoon-turned-art-collector was accused of knowing the price of everything and the value of nothing, but he pursued art with passion. A shrewd negotiator, obsessed by power, Simon astonished the art world with acquisitions ranging from Old Masters to Impressionists to rare Indian and Asian artworks. Searching for an appropriate home for his 12,000-strong collection, Simon courted (and disappointed) numerous California museums before eventually taking over the floundering Pasadena Art Museum, now the Norton Simon Museum.
Simon's influence extended beyond the business and art world: as a University of California regent he challenged funding cutbacks, sympathized with student activists, and opposed the firing of Angela Davis. His personal life was equally tumultuous and included a difficult divorce, his 31-year-old son's suicide, a whirlwind courtship and marriage to actress Jennifer Jones, and a run for the U.S. Senate.
Simon died in 1993, and during his last ten years Suzanne Muchnic was the only person to whom he granted an interview. Odd Man In reveals a man very much of his time—brilliant, anxious, powerful, and caught up in the rapid change and cultural ambiguity of Southern California in the second half of the century.
Details
Discover the captivating story of Norton Simon and his pursuit of culture in the riveting book "Odd Man In: Norton Simon and the Pursuit of Culture". Immerse yourself in the life of Simon, a visionary entrepreneur who turned a $7,000 investment into a canned tomatoes empire. His success as a businessman enabled him to venture into the world of art collecting, where he built an extraordinary private collection that rivals those of the greatest collectors in history.
In "Odd Man In", author Suzanne Muchnic provides an intimate and engaging biography of Norton Simon. Dive into the postwar years of Los Angeles culture as Muchnic explores Simon's fascinating journey from a shrewd negotiator to a passionate art enthusiast. Be captivated by the astonishing range of his art acquisitions, from Old Masters to Impressionists, and even rare Indian and Asian artworks. Simon's dedication and eye for valuable pieces set him apart in the art world.
Uncover the challenges and triumphs in Simon's quest for a permanent home for his extensive collection. Through his tireless efforts, he eventually took over the struggling Pasadena Art Museum, which today stands as the renowned Norton Simon Museum. Muchnic reveals the struggles Simon faced, the disappointments he endured, and the ultimate success he achieved in creating a legacy that continues to inspire art lovers worldwide.
However, Norton Simon's story is not solely about wealth and art. He was a man deeply connected to his time and his community. As a University of California regent, he fought against funding cutbacks, supported student activists, and defended Angela Davis. Simon's personal life was equally eventful, marked by a difficult divorce, the tragedy of his son's suicide, a whirlwind romance with actress Jennifer Jones, and even a run for the U.S. Senate.
Don't miss out on this fascinating journey through the life and cultural impact of Norton Simon. Experience the brilliance, power, and ambition that defined a man who shaped Southern California during the second half of the century. Order your copy of "Odd Man In: Norton Simon and the Pursuit of Culture" today and embark on an inspiring adventure through the wealth of art, history, and personal triumphs.
To learn more about Norton Simon's extraordinary life, order your copy of "Odd Man In: Norton Simon and the Pursuit of Culture" today!
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