Mosaics of the Greek and Roman World [Hardcover]

Katherine M. D. Dunbabin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 052146143X | ISBN-13: 978-0521461436 | Publication Date: January 28, 2000 | Edition: First Edition

Mosaics reached their fullest development under the Romans who used them to decorate the floors of their houses and public buildings. This book gives a comprehensive and fully illustrated history of mosaics in the Greek and Roman world, and studies their development over a thousand years throughout the Roman Empire. Chapters are devoted to technique, to the role of mosaics in architecture, and to their social implications and the role of patrons. This book is the only complete study in depth of this rich material.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'This book is a masterpiece of visual, historical, technical and social analysis.' Peter Jones, The Sunday Telegraph

' ... this is an exceptionally thorough analysis that will surely establish itself as the starting point for the study of mosaics for scholar and general reader alike.' The Art Newspaper

'There has been a need for a reliable, up-to-date general book on ancient mosaics ... The lack of proper synthesis has prevented mosaics from receiving the attention they deserve and it is to be hoped that this excellent book will succeed in making a neglected art form more accessible to a wider audience, whether of academics, students, or general readers.' Journal of Roman Studies

' ... prints no less than 318 pictures of mosaics that make fascinating viewing and are worth the cost of the book.' Archaeological Diggings

Book Description

This is the first major study of the art of mosaic in antiquity. Covering over a thousand years through an area from Britain to Syria and beautifully illustrated with over 350 photographs, it studies the technical aspects and social implications of mosaics as domestic and public decoration.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 379 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; First Edition edition (January 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052146143X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521461436
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.9 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,451,131 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A view in the everiday lifes of ancient times, April 19, 2000

By 

[e-mail] (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mosaics of the Greek and Roman World (Hardcover)

The new book by Katherine Dunbabin is a welcome addition to the already excellent catalogue of Cambridge Press. Ms. Dunbabin once more proves her value as a historian by showing that the study of Art in ancient times goes beyond aesthetics and the sphere of nobles and palaces. Her work on Section II "Technique and Production" brings to life the craftsmen and workshops that made the mosaics, but also the social relationships involved in the creation of all forms of Art. Another strong point of the book is the quality of the images depicted in it, both the photo reproductions and the graphic drawings of the mosaics are astounding. The variety of subjects shown in the mosaics allow the modern reader to have a pretty good idea of the ambiance and way of life of the times. It is also interesting that at the end of each chapter Ms. Dunbabin indicates a list of related bibliography with recent works. I can only be sorry that her own classical work "The Mosaics of Roman North Africa" is out of print. This pioneer work should be reprinted.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Great History but a major disappointment regarding images, August 26, 2005

By 

Rain Man (Indian Trail, NC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mosaics of the Greek and Roman World (Paperback)

I purchased this book to gain color references for the mosaics.....unfortunately, the majority of this book contains black and white plates. If you are planning on using this book as a reference for color, forget it.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Scholarship and Inspiration Accessible to the Casual Reader, March 30, 2008

By 

K. Rutsky - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Mosaics of the Greek and Roman World (Paperback)

I bought this book because I have always appreciated the beauty of mosaics and I want to install some in my house someday. This book provides a thorough (but not tedious) explanation of the history of, and original purposes for, mosaics. The pictures and explanations provide a good understanding of the art form (although many pictures in black and white may frustrate some readers). However, if you couldn't care less about the history of mosaic art, and you are only interested in making some cute mosaic items to give as gifts or to decorate small surfaces in your home yourself with your own original designs, you may be happier with one of the more basic mosaic design books available on Amazon. If you have an appreciation for art history, however, this book will not disapoint.