Rating: 
Summary: This is a real gem of a book
Review: As far as I am aware this book is available in 2 sizes, a whopping great monster of a coffee table book in which the phtography is stunning because of the scale; or a handy little pocket version which gives basic overviews in pictorial form and is the perfect gallery guide!
The format is a-z and all major artisitc movements are covered (practically cave art to conceptual). There is even a handy glossary of terms so you can ponder the meaning of "expressionism" and "dada" to your hearts content.
This is a great work and to boot has achieved the nigh impossible. Inspite of it's reach and wide appeal the art world doesn't codemn it nor treat it with characteristic snobery! Indeed it seems to be widely accepted as a book which has demystified the art world and helped to take the barriers to it down, with considerable dignity.
It is a great book for students, creative professionals and the mini sized version is perfect for cultural high days and holidays! Mine has been to Tate Modern, London, The MOMA New York and The Louvre, Paris, without raising a single contempt filled eyebrow.
Rating: 
Summary: good little reference
Review: ... and I do mean a LITTLE reference! Will easily slip into purse or backpack. You might also need a magnifying glass to read the text, though. The book is arranged alphabetically by artist name, so looking up quick facts is easy.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, beautiful
Review: A great book, simply said. Not too wordy, and great artwork to see. Introduce yourself to all kinds of art.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable, beautiful
Review: A great book, simply said. Not too wordy, and great artwork to see. Introduce yourself to all kinds of art.
Rating:
Summary: Tons of great stuff crammed in a tiny package
Review: Are you sick of giant art books that you can barely pick and that crush you even if you do manage to lift them? This tiny little book has hundreds of great artists referenced alphabetically. It also has a really cool cross-reference that leads you to other artists that are somewhat similar in style. It a great book to help feed your creative spirit. Its a great way to inject a little art into your life.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent overview of centuries of art
Review: Arranged alphabetically, which is very helpful. Sadly, it has generally but only one painting or photo for each artist, but then the intent here is to cover as many artists as possible, not to be comprehensive on any one artist, and it's quite heavy as it is already.The Art Book is an EXCELLENT reference guide. How many times reading the Arts section of a newspaper, or an interview with an artist, etc., does one hear a reference to another artist and one has no idea who that person is? With this book, you can quickly check it out! I also very much appreciate the cross-linking - since it's alphabetical, and not by style or school of thought, the editors have listed on each artists's page other artists who are similar or somehow related to that one. I have found the cross-referencing to be very helpful many times. Unless one already has an encyclopedic knowledge of 500 years of art, this is a PERFECT book for one's art library as a reference tool. And it's also a GREAT jumping off point for exploring artists: page through randomly, come across something interesting, then go and look for a book of that artist, or head to the museum "in search of." I treasure my copy, and would not ever wish to part with it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent overview of centuries of art
Review: Arranged alphabetically, which is very helpful. Sadly, it has generally but only one painting or photo for each artist, but then the intent here is to cover as many artists as possible, not to be comprehensive on any one artist, and it's quite heavy as it is already. The Art Book is an EXCELLENT reference guide. How many times reading the Arts section of a newspaper, or an interview with an artist, etc., does one hear a reference to another artist and one has no idea who that person is? With this book, you can quickly check it out! I also very much appreciate the cross-linking - since it's alphabetical, and not by style or school of thought, the editors have listed on each artists's page other artists who are similar or somehow related to that one. I have found the cross-referencing to be very helpful many times. Unless one already has an encyclopedic knowledge of 500 years of art, this is a PERFECT book for one's art library as a reference tool. And it's also a GREAT jumping off point for exploring artists: page through randomly, come across something interesting, then go and look for a book of that artist, or head to the museum "in search of." I treasure my copy, and would not ever wish to part with it.
Rating:
Summary: Very good
Review: Excellent reading; pick a random page, read and you will be engrossed. To respond to the other customer's comment ona lack of women: the fact is that women did NOT play a major role in the history of art. Also, before the renaissance, art was merely a tool of religion (aside from Greece) which forced it to to be lousy...
Rating:
Summary: Great Book for a Quick Intro to Art
Review: For people who are interested in art, but don't want to get bogged down with a long series of dates and other supplemental materials, this book is the way to go. It provides nearly full page reproductions with some key facts to get you started sorted alphabetically. As an art student, I can tell you that this is one of the best art books I have purchased. You might also want to check out "The Photo Book", "The 20th Century Art Book" and "The American Art Book", too. They're all great for a quick and painless introduction to various artists. Also, the university's professors use these books quite often to provide with examples. Check 'em out! :-)
Rating:
Summary: Are your children interested on The Arts? Find it out!
Review: Give this book to your children. Why? Because you will find out if they really have any interests on the arts. If NOT, read and see it for yourself - it's a real treasure and it will show you more about The Arts as you may see visiting galleries, museums etc. in a lifetime. If YES, when your child shows interests, read and see it too, talk about and who knows, maybe you have an artist in your family or - even this is possible: YOU are the artist! I am an artist, an Installation Art Sculptor and learned from this little handy guide how to look on art. I read it in two days from "alpha to omega". Now I know: THE ART BOOK is my book and my gallery. I wonder why our kids don't get it in schools. They would know about The Arts in some hours more than most of the teachers. Is art education needed? When yes! How much it will cost? THE ART BOOKS itself will give you a good answer. Buy it! Give it to your children, friends .... and to art teachers as a guide. Sincerely - Jan A. Loeffler, Yes2Art originator.
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