Customer Reviews

Gardner's Art Through the Ages, Volume II (Chapters 19-34)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Gardners' has long been regarded as the rather stuffy "bible" of art history texts, mainly because of its commercial longevity (it's been around since the 1930s). Recent editions have suffered under recent editorship. The addition of tiresome "clever" subtitles, coupled with the creeping-in of a new shallower "touchy-feelie" approach to the exegesis of the artworks--no doubt intended to perk-up this withering old warhorse--are sad things to behold. Readers are well-advised to select instead the far superior ART HISTORY by MARILYN STOKSTAD. It is everything Gardners' used to be...and more.

The book was shipped promptly but the seller was very ambiguous in some aspects of the order. They never stated whether the CD was included or not. I'm not saying that I expected the CD to be included but it would've been convenient if the seller was clear about it.

2nd half of the larger Gardner's Art thru the Ages book. Much more managable in size and weight. Same information as larger comprehensive version.

I bought this text for my art history class, and I must say that the parts of the book about European art are great, but it fails with regards to its treatment of Asian, African and Native American Art. If I were a member of any of the above-mentioned groups, I would be greatly offended, because it just flies through those chapters, with a very Western way of looking at things...sad! The other sections are amazing, but this way of looking non-european art is common and I should be used to it by now! Since my course is based around this text, I must say that I am disappointed by my course too!

The seller false advertized. He/she used the picture of the book I bought and sent a completely different book.The book took two weeks to get to me. On arrival the incorrect book was wrapped in a used paper grocery bag that was ripped in multipe places. Upon contacting the seller of the problem, they refused to remedy the problem. No refund, for their bogus product. Dont waist your money purchasing anything from this seller, they will only rip you off!

Although the text covers quite a bit, I can't help but feel a bit annoyed in its arbitrary, and sometimes misleading use of chronology. For instance, Heironymus Bosch is covered in the 15th century nothern art chapter, when it seems to me he should be covered in the 16th century northern art chapter, along with Pieter Breugel and Dürer.

Of course this might be somewhat arbitrary too, but I can't help but be annoyed.

Still, despite this one little problem I have with the text, it is very comprehensive. The works are very well reproduced, and in color too, which is delightful.
I know this isn't a helpful review, but I'll conclude saying despite some disagreements I have with the organization of the text, it is still an award winning text and well written. Unlike other textbooks I have, I have no problem reading the chapters without falling asleep. This is a big big plus.

I ordered this book for an Art History class that I was taking. Other than this being an older edition there is no difference between this and the newer edition. The information and images are equivalent just some of the page numbers may be off but it's worth saving the extra money.

the book is very good. lots of photographs of the art, however my professor and this book had some conflicting information on some minor stuff. overall very good.

Book arrived promptly and in great condition as promised. It even had the original CD with it (unopened).

The book came quick and in new condition with a supplement and DVD that I was not even expecting. Over all, this is and great book with amazing picture and descriptions.