The Art Book [Paperback]

Editors of Phaidon Press (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2, 2005

The Art Book is the first fully illustrated art dictionary. It presents a feast of famous, varied and colourful images by 500 of the greatest artists from the Middle Ages to the present day. Arranged in alphabetical order by artist, it is easy to use. With one large, quintessential image per artist, and an informative text that discusses the work in detail as well as offering information about its creator, The Art Book is both educational and fun. With the turn of every page The Art Book reveals the works that make up the rich heritage of Western Art, including altarpieces, installations, books of hours, oil paintings, frescos, sculptures, watercolours, prints, ready-mades, collages and many more. Aimed at teenagers and adults alike The Art Book is for all those who wish to learn about art without being overwhelmed by complicated theories and art historical developments. Easy to use cross references take you on a journey through the book, to other artists who worked in the same style and other ways the same subject has been treated across the centuries. Glossaries of movements and technical terms explain the sometimes confusing jargon of art historians in simple terms; and an international directory of galleries and museums list the works that are on view to the public. Presenting a fresh way of looking at art, this book is an invaluable resource for reference and inspiration in every home, school, library or studio. Ideal for those coming to art for the first time, it also serves as a visual sourcebook for teachers and designers, and will be a constant source of stimulus and delight for anyone wishing to look at art with a fresh eye

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

There is no introductory essay, there are no comparative illustrations, and there is little placement of these 500 works in historical context. The Art Book is a completely visual survey of the history of art. Each of the 500 great works is arranged by artist from A to Z. Works are not surrounded with historical data, supplemental illustrations, or other works by the artist, which relieves viewers of expectations or influence and allows them to judge each piece as it appears. The editors of the book are not irresponsible, though. Information critical to the work and its creator is unobtrusively listed in upper and lower margins of the page, giving some context and allowing each work to be reproduced as largely as possible. With its large format, elegance, and well-produced illustrations, The Art Book is hard to put down, once you have picked it up. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

used like new --used book --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Phaidon Press; Midi ed edition (March 2, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 071484487X
• ISBN-13: 978-0714844879
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #254,605 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for a Quick Intro to Art, September 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art Book (Hardcover)

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! :-)

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars handy dandy, August 2, 2000

By 

Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Art Book (Paperback)

I've used this book countless times for research, etc. It's a reference guide to 500 artists, and on one small page gives what is usually their most famous piece (Leonardo da Vinci "The Mona Lisa", Klimt "The Kiss"), a description of it, a few major details of the artist's life, date and place of birth/death, and also the names of other artists that fall into the same category. At the end of the book there is a glossary of terms, a list of artistic movements, and a museum directory. The reproductions are of very high quality and take up about half a page. It's a great book just to look at, but for someone who wants to gain knowledge of the subject, and for students, this marvelous little book (it's only 5 + 6 1/2 but quite thick) is a must. Phaidon did a splendid thing putting out this volume...you'll love it !

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous., December 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art Book (Paperback)

The best single art book there is, simply because this is the most fun and non-threatening way to enjoy art. Makes a fabulous gift for difficult to please friends--it has worked on even my most picky friends. Get it! It's a great coffee table book you can actually pick up.