As there is only one Grand Canyon,...

As there is only one Grand Canyon, so there is only one Louvre. And even at $85, a book that takes in as much of it as does Lawrence Gowing’s mammoth “Paintings in the Louvre” (Stewart, Tabori & Chang: 688 pp.; 9.5 x 11.5; 830 full-color reproductions) is a bargain.

The color photography is sumptuous, even if the commentary is of the sort heard on rent-a-cassette recordings by the curator. You may end up with museum fingers (instead of museum legs), but your eyes will thank you.