The American Art Book

Rating:
Summary: Good book, but missing some essential parts.....
Review: As an art educator, there are many things I enjoyed about Jay Tobler's book....I appreciate the concise manner in which artist's works are dicussed,the artist cross-referencing feature and the good quality of the reproductions. The fact that such a 'tome' is so accessibly priced is a godsend....Unfortunately, in representing the scope of 'American' art per se, I do find it to be incredibly lacking. There exists hardly any representation of artists from minority groups in America....where are Native American artists, such as Pablita Velarde, and Jaune Quick-to-See Smith?...or important African Americans, such as James Biggars, or Bettye Saar?...to me,this book like may others, reinforces the notion that most 'important' artists in America are Anglo Saxon males. It is crucial, if we are looking at an overview of American art, to include ALL that is UNIQUELY American in creating a clear picture.

Rating:
Summary: The definitive book of American Art
Review: Jay Tobler and a well-choosen group of art world insiders have compiled an impressive and definitive survey of American Art over three centuries. Wide-ranging but tightly choosen, this book includes all manner of visual arts (painting, sculpture, photography and more) and establishes the figures who matter most. Wonderful descriptive captions accompany each image. A unique coding system on each entry refers readers to influences and similar works. Most importantly, the often segregated folk artists, who are after all the most "American" of American artists, are accorded full and equal treatment here. This book is also amazingly underpriced considering the number of high quality color photographs within. The carefully selected images establish just what is "American" in American Art.

Rating:
Summary: Art for Everyone
Review: The American Art Book is an incredible compilation of fantastic art. It is accessible to artists and anyone who can appreciate art. The text which accompanies each piece is wonderfully written and provides detail without being too technical. It feels like the artist is sitting with you and telling you all of the interesting things about the work.

I love that I can just pick up the book and always find something I haven't seen before. Jay Tobler has done a wonderful job choosing interesting and unique art from all genres and providing informative and interesting text.

Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing
Review: This book has occupied the center of my kitchen table since I received it. I find myself drawn to it at all times of the day and night. The large format pictures are beautifully reproduced, the accompanying text is informative yet concise and the links to other artists provide a fascinating insight into American art movements. I am astonished at the range and variety of American art and feel quite ...patriotic!

Rating:
Summary: A must for art lovers
Review: What an incredible collection! An expertly guided tour through the always fascinating spectrum of American art over the centuries. I found the reproductions of works stunning, and the accompanying texts both accessible and stimulating. And kudos to editor Jay Tobler for choosing such a broad representation of artists -- introducing the reader to new and intriguing figures in the midst of celebrating the greats. This book is a must to own for lovers of art or American cultural history -- and for anyone interested in learning more about it. It's so much more than your usual "coffee table" book -- it's like having your own museum of treasures to revisit -- and trust me, you will.