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Nonfiction Review: Andy Warhol: Prince of Pop



Bibliographic-
Greenberg, Jan and Sandra Jordan. Andy Warhol: Prince of Pop. Delacorte Press, 2004.
ISBN 0-385-73056-X
Summary/ Critical analysis-


Andy Warhol lived a fascinating life and created lasting art that “is for everyone”(p.43).
All of this is captured by Greenberg and Jordan and told without judgement, and without
excluding his more controversial lifestyle.
The book chronicles Andy Warhol’s life from childhood through death, and how that life
influenced his art. There is a helpful timeline, and glossary of art terms to guide readers
who may be unfamiliar with the technical terms of the art world.


The included artwork is printed full-page, but all images are condensed to a section in the
center of the book. I found this an odd choice in a biography of a visual artist. The text is
modern (Helvetica) with lots of white space that also conveys a pop-art feel while making it
easy to read.
Each chapter begins with a quote from Andy Warhol relating to his life or his art, and proceeds
to paint a picture of his life events. The text uses correct terminology and does not dilute or
shy away from Warhol’s life details.
This is a great text for young readers who have some idea of Warhol and his work and
would like a more detailed overview of his life that does not overwhelm the reader.
Awards and Review Excerpts-
NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
CCBC Choices Book
“...highly readable, balanced, and fascinating survey of an American icon.”
BookList Online, 2004
“Greenberg and Jordan present Warhol's entire life without shying away from the drugs and
free love so important to the era he documented. The result is a book that both challenges
and appeals, providing respectful glimpses of the man behind the mask rather than violently
snatching the wig from his head.” The Horn Book, 2005.
Connections-

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