Alison Walton, Librarian – Hudson Library & Historical Society
“Our virtual program with Patrick Bringley was a crowd pleaser! We had over 200 patrons register to listen to his much-anticipated book talk. His personal insight and visually rich presentation were a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at his experience working at The Met. Following the program, the library has continued to receive positive feedback from viewers, “Thank you, Patrick, for this insightful perspective about art, life and our world. Profound thoughts.” Another viewer commented that “… [his] talk captured the mystery & beauty & quiet. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be a guard!” Our library was delighted to host Patrick and look forward to forthcoming endeavors by this author.”
Sally Stieglitz, Communications and Outreach Coordinator – Long Island Library Resources Council
“Patrick Bringley’s virtual presentation on his recent book, All the Beauty in the World, was a delight. Our program for librarians was very highly rated in our post-event survey, with comments such as “fascinating,” ‘excellent,” and “outstanding.” Both a personal narrative and a behind the scenes glimpse at a world famous institution, All the Beauty in the World is an engaging book which appeals to a broad audience of readers.”
The Washington Post Book World
“Exquisite… A beautiful tale about beauty. It is also a tale about grief, balancing solitude and comradeship, and finding joy in both the exalted and the mundane.”
The New York Times Book Review
“All the Beauty in the World is an empathic chronicle of one museum, the works collected there and the people who keep it running — all recounted by an especially patient observer.”
The Guardian
“Consoling and beautiful”
The Associated Press
“Hauntingly beautiful… A work of art as luminous as the old master paintings that comforted him in his grief.”
NPR
“As rich in moving insights as the Met is in treasures, All the Beauty in the World reminds us of the importance of learning not “about art, but from it.” This is art appreciation at a profound level.”
Tracy Chevalier, author of Girl with a Pearl Earring
“This absorbing memoir is also a beautifully written manual on how to appreciate art, and life. It’s a must-read for art lovers”
Rumaan Alam, author of Leave the World Behind
“Patrick Bringley offers an intimate perspective on one of the world’s greatest institutions. But All the Beauty in the World is about much more: the strange human impulse to make art, the mystery of experience art, and what role art can play in our lives. What a gift.
Hope Jahren, author of Lab Girl and The Story of More
“This book makes me yearn to have Patrick Bringley at my side in every museum I will visit for the rest of my life. Having a copy of All the Beauty in the World in my purse will be the next best thing.
Misty M. – Museum Patron
“It was amazing to get an inside scoop on what it is like working in the museum and how you being around these amazing works for so long affects the way you view the art! Patrick also was very knowledgable about the history of the museum and taught a life-long New Yorker many new things!”
Kerry James Marshall, artist, Mastry retrospective at the Met
“Illuminating and transformative experiences shared by a guard from one of the world’s greatest museums.”
Robert M. – Museum Patron
“Patrick’s insightful tour of the Met provided a uniquely delightful experience. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the museum’s collections, and has a wealth of fun anecdotes about them. But a lot of tour guides can do that. What really distinguishes this tour is Patrick’s career as a guard. The in depth knowledge of how the museum works, and what it’s like to truly live with the art for years on end, made this tour a superb use of an afternoon. Highest possible recommendation.”
Alex Ross, New Yorker staff writer and author of The Rest is Noise
“An astounding book about an astounding place. All the Beauty in the World is at once a keenly intelligent examination of the power of art and a profoundly empathetic exploration of the workaday culture that makes art visible to all.”
Ciara C. – Museum Patron
“Patrick was so knowledgeable – not just about the inner workings of the Met, but the art he guarded. He was very funny & insightful and definitely got me thinking about the pieces we viewed in a new way. Can’t wait to read his book!”