By Tomas Minkler. Published by Settlers West Galleries. Hardcover. 226 pages.

In Poetic Silence: The Floral Paintings of Joseph Henry Sharp celebrates a hitherto unexplored facet of the career of one of the most beloved painters of the American West. With more than 100 full-color illustrations, this gorgeous books belongs in the library of everyone passionate about the West and the sheer beauty of flowers in bloom. As author Thomas Minckler writes: "The fact that Joseph Henry Sharp painted a significant body of floral still life paintings...may astonish many people. The spiritual founder of the Taos school of art is known primarily for his realistic portrayal of the American Indian. In Poetic Silence, like Sharp's flower paintings, is a labor of love. With its splendid color reproductions, it is a lovely bouquet presented to the reader."