All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me
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A best book of the year from New York Public Library, NPR, the Financial Times, Book Riot, and The Sunday Times (London).
An “exquisite” (The Washington Post) “hauntingly beautiful” (Associated Press) portrait of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its treasures by a former New Yorker staff who spent a decade as a museum guard.
Millions of people climb the grand marble staircase to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art every year. But only a select few have unrestricted access to every nook and cranny. They’re the guards who roam unobtrusively in dark blue suits, keeping a watchful eye on the two million square foot treasure house. Caught up in his glamourous fledgling career at The New Yorker, Patrick Bringley never thought that he’d be one of them. Then his older brother was diagnosed with fatal cancer and he found himself needing to escape the mundane clamor of daily life. So he quit The New Yorker and sought solace in the most beautiful place he knew.
To his surprise and your delight, this temporary refuge becomes Bringley’s home away from home for a decade. We follow him as he guards delicate treasures from Egypt to Rome, strolls the labyrinths beneath the galleries, wears out nine pairs of company shoes, and marvels at the beautiful works in his care. Bringley enters the museum as a ghost, silent and almost invisible, but soon finds his voice and his tribe: the artworks and their creators and the lively subculture of museum guards—a gorgeous mosaic of artists, musicians, blue-collar stalwarts, immigrants, cutups, and dreamers. As his bonds with his colleagues and the art grow, he comes to understand how fortunate he is to be walled off in this little world, and how much it resembles the best aspects of the larger world to which he gradually, gratefully returns.
In the tradition of classic workplace memoirs like Lab Girl and Working Stiff, All the Beauty in the World is an “empathic” (The New York Times Book Review), “moving” (NPR), “consoling, and beautiful” (The Guardian) portrait of a great museum, its hidden treasures, and the people who make it tick, by one of its most intimate observers.
From the Publisher
Publisher : Simon & Schuster (October 29, 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 240 pages
ISBN-10 : 1982163313
ISBN-13 : 978-1982163310
Item Weight : 6.9 ounces
Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.6 x 8.38 inches
Customers say
Customers find the writing style very well-written and poetic. They also find the insights insightful, interesting, and an immense learning experience. Readers appreciate the mix of personal history with art history. They describe the story as heartfelt, touching, and gentle.
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13 reviews for All the Beauty in the World: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Me
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Original price was: $18.99.$17.09Current price is: $17.09.
NYC customer –
Simple yet profound
This is a beautiful book. It makes the reader think about art and abut life and about the interaction of the two. There is no dense, academic writing about art, just simple and often profound descriptions of some of the works in the MET. Additionally, the behind-the-scenes descriptions of the Met are interesting.If you like art and the Metropolitan Museum, read this!
Book Addict –
Interesting back story
This is an interesting behind the scenes view of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. I have been there many times and still don’t know where everything is. Well-written and lots of little details for those of us who are curious (nosey).The book was purchased as used. It was in pretty good shape but someone should have wiped down the dust jacket which was a little grody. And several dog-eared pages. Otherwise, in good shape. I have used this seller several times before and will continue to do so. Thanks!
Ann Carol –
A Brilliant read by a down to earth author
This book is on my favorites list in red. Patrick Bringley opens his soul to share his life of a guard the Met. I’m sure I was in his watchful eye on a visit or more. For years, I have spoken to many gallery guards, to hear their story, and wondered how they endure such long stretches of time with visitors walking by with no acknowledgement or greeting. His family history is moving and poignent his knowledge astounding. Reading my Kindle version and poking for information increased my reading time by 2 or 3 times. In a week’s time, I will attend a talk by the author. What a pleasure that will be. Don’t miss meeting him on Kindle or book.
Herbert L Aman III –
Good eye, and an inquisitive and insightful mind !
It is rare to âmeetâ someone who takes the time to encompass a scene from such a complete perspective. The author created so many thoughts for me to consider and broad images to enhance my reading experience as I peeked into his life. I have listened to interviews with him as well, and they completed my impressions of this man. Glad he come across my radar !
P. J. Shelhamer –
Please read!
What a wonderful book that shares the healing quality of art. It is well written. I have even purchased two copies so that I could share it!
Katherine Herman –
Enjoyable read about the art world and human loss
I liked That the author spoke of, and you were able to obtain ,through a computer pictures of the artwork , that he spoke about . I did keep wondering what the heck his wife did for a living that he could afford to live in New York City with a couple kids working as a guard
Anne R. –
Inspiring Personal Story About the Healing Power of Art
The author of this book decided to step back from his job for a time after the untimely death of his brother. Instead, he applied for and was accepted as a museum guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I found his observations of the people and the art work that he experienced during his time at the Met very uplifting and felt that he confirmed the importance of great art to the spiritual well being of us all.
Nancy in New Jersey –
great beginning but loses momentum
For people who love art museums, this is an interesting read, especially the first half. It provides great insights about the experiences of security guards and tells a sad but insightful personal story. However the second half of the book lost focus. Even though there were still some enjoyable discussions of various rooms and artworks, it felt more like an art history lesson than a compelling analysis of the authorâs experience.
Pam Albert –
I felt this creation we so well written. It takes one into so many different worlds on a cognitive, emotional and educational level.
Mumadona –
Beautifully written book about the loss of a brother, work at the Met, his colleagues and visitors, family plus a few good lessons about art and its authors. Reminded me of my youth when I spent days and days at this wonderful museum.
Angela E. Galloway –
A gift from a dear friend, I had no idea how invaluable would be this little gem – I bought it for my other friends, too! If you love art, the benefit of seeing over the long-term, as did the author, gives those of us whose time in front of an oeuvre is more limited, a refresher guide on learning to see. Through his eyes, and, I should add, his own experience of loss, we find a means to activate real appreciation. Since early days of art history exploration, and many years of making art, I had succumbed to the “Been there; seen that,” syndrome. If I ever forget again, I will pick up my Museum Guide’s extra-well-written work.
Carol A. O’Connor –
As a museum volunteer and frequent international museum visitor, I found this book to be an amazing insight into how to see a work of art and allow the smallest detail to impact your life in a profound way. It is also a book of love, loss, heartache and healing – and an homage to the great Met and the amazing people who watch over the magnificent works that make it great. Quite a lot in one book that will stay with you and change your visits to a museum for rest of your life.
Booky –
Ein Buch über Kunst? Ãber ein Museum? Ãber Trauer? Ãber Schönheit?Für mich ein Buch zum langsamen, aufmerksamen Lesen und zum Nachdenken über das Leben.Eine ungewöhnliches und inspirierendes Werk. Leider wird es auf Deutsch wie ein Esoterikratgeber vermarktet. Die Originalausgabe in Englisch ist zu bevorzugen.