I was surprised to discover that this book is mostly text with some photographs of Banksy's work. The prose would be interesting and useful to an art student or person who follows contemporary art in a more academic way. Since Banksy's identity is still officially unknown (although there is a prime suspect) this book does not offer the usual biography with history of the artist's life and education. Banksy's work speaks for itself, and he is of the mind (like Alice Neel and others) that if you could explain your art in words, it needn't exist. I appreciate the anti-establishment viewpoint of the author. She quotes several anti-Banksy art critics, and then contradicts them effectively. I am among those who see Banksy as an important social commentator who uses graphic forms to full effect. I love the stencil format and what he is able to do with it especially with time constraints (he must paint quickly to avoid arrest for vandalism). There is a puckishness about his work but also a deadly seriousness such as in his work in Bethlehem and war zones. I'm giving four stars rather than five solely because I think that the average purchaser would expect there to be a lot more examples of Banksy's work.

I have absolutely zero artistic talent or knowledge, but that’s perfectly fine with the style and easy flow of Carol Diehl’s new book exploring Banksy’s art, methods (or more appropriately, modus operandi) and social resonance. Ms. Diehl goes into sensible detail but doesn’t get bogged down in minutia. As I read along, I googled many of the artworks she discussed, plus she has numerous illustrations throughout the book.
I must have been living in a cave; I had no idea Banksy had completed a documentary film, owns a hotel and has many writings to his credit. I absolutely love his view on social and political situations and ideas. His ability to travel and complete his art in various locales without detection (or arrest) is impressive. I found this to be an informative yet pleasant book about an extremely interesting subject.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and MIT Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date is October 26, 2021.

Not at all what I expected. This book had a hard time holding my attention, couldn’t finish it. I’m afraid that I can’t recommend this book.

Liked this a lot, you don't often read such a rousing defence of an artist against any and all comers. I learned a great deal about Banksy, but more so about the self interested parasitic critics relationship with art and Big money.

“The greatest crimes in the world are not committed by people breaking the rules but by people following the rules. It's people who follow orders that drop bombs and massacre villages.” #Banksy

My rating: 5/5

I’ve been intrigued by works of Banksy for many years! Beautiful, fairly simple art that just randomly appears all around the world. It was amazing when his work appeared in Nottingham last year, it felt surreal, shame that it got simply sold in the end, I was really upset, because in my understanding street art belong to the people and streets!

This book is amazing! There are different interviews, from critiques, haters, artists and supporters of Banksy, I loved quotes that were used all along the book made by the artist.

Author has made an incredible work, collecting all the resources, I just want to say thank, somehow, I feel grateful for this book. I only wish there were more art pictures, but I guess the main point was explaining sense behind Banksy’s certain art pieces and projects, and what happened behind the scenes and the future of those works.

It’s great that this book is showing importance of the specific location of his graffiti, because taken away from the original spot, they just loose the meaning to them.

Just think about it, Banksy is an artist or a group of artists that no one really knows anything about? Crazy huh? In the world of internet and social media, where everyone knows everything about everyone.

Thank you @Netgalley and @MITpress for E-Arc in exchange for my honest review!

Pros: This book is a great introduction to Banksy. I’ve followed Banksy’s work for years but learned many new things about the background of some works and themes that tie works together. This book also highlighted that most of Banksy’s work is temporary, which is something I had not thought about before.

Cons: I would have loved to see more photographs of Banksy’s work in this book.

Thank you to Goodreads and MIT Press for the opportunity to read this book!