The Gentle Art of Making Enemies

"The Gentle Art of Making Enemies" by James McNeill Whistler is a collection of writings that dives into the world of art criticism and artistic identity during the 1800s. The collection highlights the battles that occurred between artists and critics through Whistler's clever point of view and his famous court case with John Ruskin. Whistler uses wit and creativity to look at ideas such as artistic honesty, what the public thinks, and how artists create their identity. The beginning of this collection features the legal events involving Ruskin's negative review of Whistler's art. As Whistler defends his work, the exchanges of the courtroom are recreated for the reader, and his unwavering assurance of his artistic value is displayed. This part introduces the overall feeling one gets from the collection and gives the reader a chance to reflect on criticism and the artist's reactions.