AP Art History (REA)--The Best Test Prep for the (Advanced Placement (AP) Test Preparation) [Paperback]

Frank Chmiel (Author), Larry Krieger (Author), Barbara McGowran (Editor)

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Research & Education Association (March 15, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738602124
• ISBN-13: 978-0738602127
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #693,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Much of my college app., January 3, 2008

By 

Pseudonym (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: AP Art History w/CD-ROM (REA)-The Best Test Prep for (Advanced Placement (AP) Test Preparation) (Paperback)

I decided, in 11th grade, to take the AP Art History exam because I felt that the subject would be relevant to my future career as an architect. Our school does not offer a course in art history, so I had to study independently. This book provides more than sufficient material--due to an extremely tight schedule, I spent about 4-5 days reading through the book once and received a 5 on the exam with virtually no prior knowledge of art history apart from what I had memorized from the book. I would say that if you can memorize about 60% of the book, you'll do well. (Don't procrastinate as I did, though. I couldn't walk straight by the end of that AP week.)

After the exam, I went back to the book and re-read it so the information would be retained longer. During summer, I went to an architecture program and my knowledge from reading this book helped me immensely. Since then, my interest in art history has expanded and I've explored the subject much more thoroughly.

I took the exam at the school where the first author teaches (taught?) and met some of the (many) students. He is apparently very well-versed in both the exam and the subject.

Obviously, if you love art history, there are better texts (Gardner, Stokstad, etc.) with colorful illustrations and interesting facts. If you are new to the subject and simply want to pass the test or to learn the basics of this awesome subject, this book is easier.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, July 22, 2007

By 

Deborah F. Knight "dfk" (CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: AP Art History w/CD-ROM (REA)-The Best Test Prep for (Advanced Placement (AP) Test Preparation) (Paperback)

During my 11th grade highschool year I took the Art History AP test WITHOUT ever taking an Art History course. My only review materials were the "Annotated Mona Lisa" (also a great book) and REA's Art History. One of the best study guides I have EVER used for any AP test, REA covers the material rationally and in depth. I owe my preparedness for the Art History exam to REA (I got a 5!).
If you had to choose between a 10 pound Art encyclopedia and REA's guide in order to prepare for your test, choose REA!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Review Book!, July 20, 2007

By 

Linkster - See all my reviews

This review is from: AP Art History w/CD-ROM (REA)-The Best Test Prep for (Advanced Placement (AP) Test Preparation) (Paperback)

I took an Art History course that was not AP, and thus covered extra material outside of class in order to take the exam. I used this book to help review before the exam, and I received a 5. This book was great for review and really covered the essential topics, as opposed to my very detailed notes for class and massive textbook (I used Janson). It also helped a great deal to fill me in on areas we did not cover, but because art is such a broad subject and the exam can cover such a range of material, not everything was included (but that can't exactly be expected!). The timed practice tests were really useful for getting a hang of the test. I loved the lists in the back of important works, female artists, and American artists- they showed up on the exam as promised by my teacher and this book! I would absolutely recommend this book for review, in conjunction with other sources to cover as much material as possible.