The pocket dictionary of art terms

Rating:
Summary: Useful and concise
Review: This text is a very handy pocket-book to take along to museums and on architectural tours. The opening pages of the book are devoted to drawings of architectural terms -- there is a heavy emphasis on church and cathedral architecture, with a few pieces on Greco-Roman aspects of architecture. That makes this helpful in terms of European tourism, but it leaves out the greater range of non-sacred architecture, at least among the graphics (a few terms are included, without visual aid).

The dictionary is, as most dictionaries, arranged alphabetically. However, this proves the problem of most dictionaries of this sort -- if you don't know what something is called in the first place, it takes a great while to thumb through the pages to find the terms one seeks. More graphics showing visual clues would be helpful throughout the book.

These shortcomings aside, this is a very handy book, easily carried and easily used. It has usefulness to those interested in art history, studio arts, architecture, photography, decorative arts/crafts, and more. Terms are generously cross-referenced, and terms in common use in museum publications, descriptions and labelling are all included.

The book includes a generous bibliography arranged topically suggesting further readings. A must have for the avid museum-goer, it will also be a welcome addition to any student or casual observer of art.

Rating:
Summary: Useful and concise
Review: This text is a very handy pocket-book to take along to museums and on architectural tours. The opening pages of the book are devoted to drawings of architectural terms -- there is a heavy emphasis on church and cathedral architecture, with a few pieces on Greco-Roman aspects of architecture. That makes this helpful in terms of European tourism, but it leaves out the greater range of non-sacred architecture, at least among the graphics (a few terms are included, without visual aid).

The dictionary is, as most dictionaries, arranged alphabetically. However, this proves the problem of most dictionaries of this sort -- if you don't know what something is called in the first place, it takes a great while to thumb through the pages to find the terms one seeks. More graphics showing visual clues would be helpful throughout the book.

These shortcomings aside, this is a very handy book, easily carried and easily used. It has usefulness to those interested in art history, studio arts, architecture, photography, decorative arts/crafts, and more. Terms are generously cross-referenced, and terms in common use in museum publications, descriptions and labelling are all included.

The book includes a generous bibliography arranged topically suggesting further readings. A must have for the avid museum-goer, it will also be a welcome addition to any student or casual observer of art.