Customer Reviews

History of Modern Art (Paper cover) (6th Edition)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I saw this book in a museum (the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, GA) and had the chance to peruse the museum's copy (which was of the previous edition) before buying it. After just spending 15-20 minutes with it in the museum, I became convinced that it was worth the hefty price. Now, having purchased the most recent edition, I am glad I did. It is an expensive book, but worth the price, in my opinion, as it contains a wealth of information and a wealth of art.

The book was originally written by H.H. Arnason, who, as the book's Preface explains, was Professor and Chairman of the University of Minnesota's Art Department from 1947 to 1961. He also held other posts and was affiliated with the Guggenheim Museum. Since Arnason passed away some time ago, recent editions of the book have been updated by Elizabeth C. Mansfield (Associate Professor of Art at NYU), who has brought the book up to the present (as recent as 2006) with sections on globalization and postcolonial theory.

Both Arnason and Mansfield are clearly intelligent scholars who place the art within its historical context to help us to see what it did, where the innovations were, and what conflicts and issues were live at that time. For example, the opening chapter deals with the legal case between Ruskin and Whistler, in which Whistler sued Ruskin for libel when Ruskin defamed Whistler's painting "Nocturne in Black and Gold." The battle was over whether Whistler could charge such a large amount of money for something that, in Ruskin's eyes, was not art. The (his)story is told in a very readable way, with the painting shown, and it is a perfect and intelligent way to open the book, since a crucial issue involved in modern art is, what makes it art and who decides?

I have not had time to work my way through the whole book (it is 830 pages), but I have liked very much what I have read so far. The index is handy for finding the artists one is interested in, if you don't want to wade through the book, since the chapters are organized thematically. The book may be intended for College textbook use, but I think it is definitely interesting enough to be read by anyone interested in art and painting. It's probably a bit too large and intimidating to work well as a real "introductory" book for someone who knows nothing about art or modern art (unless you have a seriously scholarly mind), but otherwise, I think it is as accessible as it can be given its size and scope, it makes for some great reading and it also passes as a good reference work. I recommend it.

I bought this book for a class and it has certainly come in handy. It covers a large selection of 20th century artists such as Klimt, Kandinsky, Cezanne, Matisse, Demuth, and much much more. The book is very large (has a lot of pages) so it truly is stock full of pictures and information about artists and art movements of this time period. There does seem to be a focus more on European artists but there are still pleanty of American artists as well as other countries (Japan, Mexico...)being represented. Although it may be a little expensive, it is a great book for anyone who wants a well organized compilation of 20th century art. I also like the way it is written. It is easy to understand but written in a sophisticated manner. It also discusses a wide variety of art including oil, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, photography, performance art, and more.

I would have prefered a more educational approach instead of a narrative opinion. This text is all over the place. The glossary is no help at all with just 2 pages. It's confusing, where one art movement starts or ends. I would like to have known that it was more of an overview and opinion of art. There is hardly any information in this text that is clear or informative.

Great Book!!! I bought this book for my art history class. I thought about renting it at first, but as an art major, I figured I'd probably want to keep it. I was right. I will have this book and reference it for many years to come. The only thing better than the book, was the class that required it!!!

It's been a long time since I've had occasion to use an art history text book so I have little with which to compare it, but this one is enormously encyclopedic in nature in that it covers the subject matter from arguable beginning to end both expansively and knowledgably. In doing so, it provides a commendable historical context for the various movements involved in the history of Modern Art as well as numerous reproductions and helpful cross-references. It would likely be difficult to include more material in one volume for a introductory survey course today on Modern Art. Arnason/Mansfield History of Modern Art (Paper cover 6th Edition)appears to be the "go to" book with good reason. The expense was my only complaint - but Amazon's price certainly beat that of the campus student store!

highly recommend for pictures and text
worth the amount for hardcover
required text - keeper

We like art books. We love modern art books. From short artist specific essay books. Through detailed biographys. To comprehensive classroom text books. This big book does not fall into any of those catagories. We have had an long opportunity to see this book and compare it to its previous editions. There is not much difference in the contents between editions.

Indeed a large tome (text-book style). But in this case bigger is not better. Yes all of the modern artists are represented. But the information about them is rudimentary. A few paragraphs about each artist and the it just moves along. We could not appreciate any depth nor that real feel aspect regarding the artist and the generation involved.

And we shall not suggest other texts in this review as to remain unbiased. But there are plenty of books encompasing the history of modern art that give the reader a fuller feel for each movement and how it entrenched itself into the fabric of its time. Some bigger and more $$$$, others straight forward easily digestable.

All in all not an impressive book. Not worth the price $$$.

It has all that you want in Modern History, clearly explained. Beautiful selection of Pictures accompany the Information which I find invaluable.

Shipping was fast and book was in perfect condition, but had to return because professor decided not to use this textbook. Returning was just as smooth as ordering.