The Penguin Concise Dictionary of Art History

Rating:
Summary: Thin, outdated, and pretty much useless
Review: As an artist for 30 years and a teacher for over 20, I can't figure out how anyone could actually find this book useful. First of all, this is an ART book with NO illustrations --- so you need to know something else before you read the entries. I must admit that I haven't read the whole book, but none of the dozen or so entries I saw gave useful information. For example, notes on Frank Stella, Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Robert Morris, Bruce Nauman, were mainly short descriptions of single works, or periods of work, from 25-40 years ago. The shallow entries seem to be quick, random, fact and quote gathering. The writer seems to have much more interest in what might be called traditional art as the entries seem longer --- for example the entry on Puvis de Chavannes is longer than that for Rauschenberg. What this book is for is beyond me. This may not be the fault of the writer, but it is a fault of the whole concept. Can't be done in 730 pages.

Rating:
Summary: Hello Nancy!
Review: I worked as a research and editorial assistant with Ms. Frazier on this book, and I must say that Nancy is one of the most knowledgeable, well-read and experienced art historians today. Her abilities as an author as well as her diverse interests are evidenced by her previous publications, both of which aided her in the MONUMENTAL task of compiling this dictionary. As a resource, this dictionary will serve well any student - however, it also makes for interesting and enlightening reading for any lover of art. On a more personal note, working with Nancy was a delightful experience that I shall always treasure.

Rating:
Summary: Hello Nancy!
Review: I worked as a research and editorial assistant with Ms. Frazier on this book, and I must say that Nancy is one of the most knowledgeable, well-read and experienced art historians today. Her abilities as an author as well as her diverse interests are evidenced by her previous publications, both of which aided her in the MONUMENTAL task of compiling this dictionary. As a resource, this dictionary will serve well any student - however, it also makes for interesting and enlightening reading for any lover of art. On a more personal note, working with Nancy was a delightful experience that I shall always treasure.

Rating:
Summary: what a delightful read!
Review: Nancy Frazier's Concise Dictionary of Art History is truly a boon to any art lover or student. The entries are informative and often leavened with great wit--not the dry academese that so often mars reference works. A fun book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, whether you know anything--or everything--about art. Would make a great present.

Rating:
Summary: what a delightful read!
Review: Nancy Frazier's Concise Dictionary of Art History is truly a boon to any art lover or student. The entries are informative and often leavened with great wit--not the dry academese that so often mars reference works. A fun book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, whether you know anything--or everything--about art. Would make a great present.