german biologist Ernst Haeckel, who is most noted for his research of radiolarians, inspired artists and architects of the 20th century (and into the 21st) with his book, "Kunstformen der Natur" (Art Forms in Nature). the book includes 100 plates illustrating various plants, animals and protozoa. the imagery and detail in this book is stunning. take a look at ole Ernst below (on left)...whata dream boat.
this book is pretty radical. it's about an artist, a writer, who is struggling to stay true to his art and sell his writings. however, after a few setbacks and being generally down on his luck, his mind starts unraveling to the brink of insanity. the character frustrates the reader time and time again with his stubborn determination and crazed actions. but, it's a very sharp portrait of a starving artist.
