Travels Over Feeling: Arthur Russell, a Life

By Richard King Arthur Russell, the Lower Manhattan avant-garde cult figure of experimental music and would-be dancehall/pop star, was far ahead of his time when his life was cut short at age 40. Travels Over Feeling is an expertly composed, richly illustrated, and beautifully designed monograph celebrating Russell’s mythic legacy through narration, oral history, and archival artifacts. The monograph presents an abundance of archival ephemera, including Russell’s own words, as well as quotes from his family, friends, lovers, and collaborators. The oral histories and images are arranged chronologically, and aided by Richard King's caring, but neutral prose. Travels succeeds in conveying much of Russell’s “messy brilliance,” and capturing some of his “strange, slippery essence.” — Herbert Pföstl, Book Consultant for the New Museum Store. The music of Arthur Russell defies classification. From his pioneering compositions as part of New York's vibrant avant-garde scene (alongside artists