Customer Reviews

The Arts of Thailand

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

 

 

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.

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.