Customer Reviews

Art for Travellers Italy: The Essential Guide to Viewing Italian Renaissance Art

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I approached this book with some trepidation, since the Renaissance art of Italy is an enormous subject and all but the most intrepid travelers succumb at some point to museum fatigue. However, I was delighted to see that this guide gives very readable background information suitable for people with very little prior exposure to Renaissance art. At the same time it is authoritative and interesting for someone with a deeper knowledge. The fact that the author narrows down the focus to a shorter list of painters and sculptors is very helpful. The illustrations are beautiful. Diagrams of where to find particular works in particular museums, or how to "read" multiple panels in churches can be useful. My only concern is that the book weighs in a bit heavy for a traveler who is packing light. While I would like to have the book with me as a companion while walking through museums, I may have to content myself with notes or (gasp!) cut out pages of particular interest to take with me.

It is a very good guide for the amateur, even more remarkable considering that it was written by Australians.
I am an Italain national myself living in Hawaii for the time being and I know that I will put this guide to good use when I eventually decide to rediscover my own country.
Highly recommended.

This book describes art and where it can be found through out Italy. It's a great book for those who are looking for something more then a travel guide offers when looking at art. It is small and can be carried easily around the country, using little space. The only downside is it seems to be out of print, so prices vary from very high to reasonable. I picked it up for about $3 U.S., but prices range to the hundreds. I wish there were books like this for France, Spain, Mexico, etc. It's a great guide to art.