Inuit Art: A History [Hardcover]

Richard C. Crandall (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786407115 | ISBN-13: 978-0786407118 | Publication Date: October 31, 1999

Inuit-sometimes referred to as Eskimo-art is the primary art form of Canada and has a large international following, particularly in the United States, Japan, and Germany. Despite its popularity, the complete history of Inuit art has never been presented. This is the first chronological synthesis of Inuit art, following its development from prehistory, through early American and European exploration, to the recognition of Inuit art as a commercial possibility, and up to the present. There is a particular emphasis on contemporary art and artists, and the years 1950 through 1997 are each given separate, detailed treatment in regard to important shows and events. This history is appropriate both for the beginning admirer of Inuit art and for those already well immersed in it.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This dense, state-of-the-art history of Inuit art will probably stand as the last word on the subject for some time to come. Though not a scholar of Native Americans, Crandall has a great love of Inuit art, specifically prints and carvings from northern Canada, and he has collected it for over 20 years. He has read thousands of sources, distilled them, and organized the history here in a useful manner. He points out discrepancies and contradictions (sometimes quite small) among these sources and salts his text liberally with citations. The first chapter, by his daughter Amanda, is a rather dry account of prehistoric Inuit art; the second covers the first contact with the outside world. Subsequent chapters tell of change and development in contemporary Inuit art since 1948. The influence of whalers and the Hudson's Bay Company and the financial ups and downs of tribes are discussed; the evolution of traditional crafts into a money-making industry and the influence of outside art on young artists, however controversial, are put forth without editorial comment. This is not a picture book (see Ingo Hessel's Inuit Art, LJ 11/1/98, for a fine example of that format) but a finely detailed history. For larger art and Native American collections.
-Gay Neale, Meredithville, VA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"State-of-the-art history of Inuit art...a finely detailed history" -- Library Journal

"[An] extremely detailed chronology of events...likely the most extensively researched study available" -- Choice --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 420 pages
• Publisher: Mcfarland & Co Inc Pub (October 31, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786407115
• ISBN-13: 978-0786407118
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,656,245 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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