The Arts of Thailand [Hardcover]

Steve Van Beek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1998

For over a thousand years, Thailand has been a cultural crossroads for the artistic traditions of India, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Indonesia, gradually evolving a unique style of artistic expression all its own. Based on exhaustive museum, library, and temple research, The Arts of Thailand covers every major form and period of Thai art and provides a complete overview of one of the world's richest artistic traditions.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

From start to finish, this is a classic example of the synergy of clear, thoughtful text, superb photography, and clean, attractive book design. Since most non-Thais have little knowledge of the Thai history or culture, Van Beek carefully covers the history of Thai art from the Bronze Age to the present, paying particular attention to the Buddhist influence of the last 700 years. Scores of rich, well-printed photos examine Thai sculpture, architecture, and mural painting. Despite the relative paucity of material on Thailand's superb ceramics and a skimpy coverage of 19th- and 20th-century art, this is the best single volume on Thai art history around. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.ADavid McClelland, Philadelphia
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Steve van Beek, a long-term resident of Thailand, has a special interest in art.

Luca Invernizzi Tettoni, a world-renowned photographer who has lived and worked in Asia since 1973, specializes in books on aspects of Asian culture. Among his many books are Balinese Gardens, The Tropical Garden, Tropical Asian Style,Thai Style and Myanmar Style.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 220 pages
• Publisher: Periplus Editions; Rev Upd edition (May 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9625932623
• ISBN-13: 978-9625932620
• Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,162,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not So Impressed, June 29, 2006

By 

Tome Raider (California, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Arts of Thailand (Hardcover)

Having been to Thailand many times I thought this would be a worthwhile book to have as it covers many of the sights I've seen there. Unfortunately, the pictorial content looks average, and the sections I've read all seem only moderately inspired at best. But what really disappoints me is the cheap cardboard cover. Given what I've paid for the book it really should be a cloth-covered (or "buckram") hardback. Instead, this is the cheap-type cover you see on the discounted books at your local bookseller. I'm afraid the craft of fine book-making is declining even in these so-called fine art books. This is very unfortunate. A good book should be an investment, especially at this price, and this book is not a compelling product for the money. I'd rather have a nice paperback than a cheaply done hardback.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Photos and Writing, June 29, 2009

By 

Daruma - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Arts of Thailand (Hardcover)

I cut out so many pictures to frame from an older copy that I had to buy a new version of this book of Thai art. The book is well-written and gives the historical facts around the art. There is a wealth of beautiful color photos, many of them perfect in size for an 8 x 10 frame, and they cover all of the periods of Thai art. This book is superior for those who love art history, Asian art, Thai art, or Buddhist art, especially the original Buddhism, known as Theravada Buddhism, the form practiced in Thailand.