Following in the tradition of Phaidon's "The Art Book", this is an illustrated dictionary which presents in alphabetical order the work of 500 great artists from the 20th century. Each artist is represented by a full-page colour plate of a key work and a short text about the work of the artist. From figures such as Monet, Cezanne, Picasso and Dali at the beginning of the century to Pollock, Beuys and Hockney in the middle years, to innovative contemporary artists including Hirst and Koons, this dictionary provides a comprehensive listing from A-Z. The book reveals the works that make up the art of this century, including oil paintings, watercolours, prints, collages, sculptures, ready-mades, installations, performances and videos. Full glossaries of terms and artistic movements are provided, alongside a directory of public museums and galleries where the works can be seen. Detailed cross-referencing of artists, styles and subject matter completes this reference, which is suitable for teenagers and adults alike.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
One of the most complete representations of this century's art to hit the shelves in years, The 20th-Century Art Book offers 500 full-page reproductions, each by a different artist. No matter how famous, each artist has but one page, accompanied by a concise, informative block of text. Presented in alphabetical order, each artist, regardless of stature, is treated in exactly the same manner as the other 499 others in the book. Some images are delightfully complimented, others deeply agitated by the work that, by chance of the alphabet, happens to lie on the facing page.
Review
. . . this book stands for freedom of speech and equal representation . . . [it] keeps its fascination throughout. -- The New York Times Book Review, John Russell
More than any other era, the 20th Century offers us an unrivalled galaxy of styles and approaches to art. The last ten decades have been a fast-moving epoch of inventions, discoveries and political upheavals. As a result, the art scene has also radically changed: it has become more than international, artists have experimented with new media including oil paint, collage, sculpture, ready-made objects, installation, and video. The status of women artists has grown immeasurably. Phaidon's The 20th Century Art Book offers an A to Z guide to these innovative artists with 500 full-page color plates presenting celebrated works alongside future classics. each image is accompanied by an incisive text, shedding light on the work and its creator. The alphabetical arrangement presents thought-provoking juxtapositions, while cross-references lead the reader through the century by subject matter, style or medium. Full glossaries of terms, artistic movements, museums and galleries are included, creating a self-contained volume which presents a whole new way of looking at 20th Century art. The 20th Century Art Book is a benchmark publication that will serve as the principle art reference work for decades to come. -- Midwest Book Review
More than any other era, the 20th Century offers us an unrivalled galaxy of styles and approaches to art. The last ten decades have been a fast-moving epoch of inventions, discoveries and political upheavals. As a result, the art scene has also radically changed: it has become more than international, artists have experimented with new media including oil paint, collage, sculpture, ready-made objects, installation, and video. The status of women artists has grown immeasurably. Phaidon's The 20th Century Art Book offers an A to Z guide to these innovative artists with 500 full-page color plates presenting celebrated works alongside future classics. each image is accompanied by an incisive text, shedding light on the work and its creator. The alphabetical arrangement presents thought-provoking juxtapositions, while cross-references lead the reader through the century by subject matter, style or medium. Full glossaries of terms, artistic movements, museums and galleries are included, creating a self-contained volume which presents a whole new way of looking at 20th Century art. The 20th Century Art Book is a benchmark publication that will serve as the principle art reference work for decades to come. -- Midwest Book Review
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I have "The Art Book" by Phaidon and referred to it many times over the years. "The 20th Century Art Book" is an excellent companion and serves as a wonderful reference book to the world of contemporary art. It is small, easy to carry around, packed with great information on some of the most influential artists of this century and explains why these particular artists had such an influence on the world of art today. It is by no means an exclusive and detailed critique of art, rather a great general overview. "The Art Book" and "The 20th Century Art Book" are the best, littlest coffee books you can purchase.
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Arranged alphabetically, which is very helpful. Sadly, it generally has but only one painting or photo for each artist, but then the intent here is to cover as many artists as possible, not to be comprehensive on any one artist, and it's quite heavy as it is already.
The 20th Century Art Book is an EXCELLENT reference guide. How many times reading the Arts section of a newspaper, or an interview with an artist, etc., does one hear a reference to another artist and one has no idea who that person is? With this book, you can quickly check it out!
I also very much appreciate the cross-linking - since it's alphabetical, and not by style or school of thought, the editors have listed on each artists's page other artists who are similar or somehow related to that one. I have found the cross-referencing to be very helpful many times.
Unless one already has an encyclopedic knowledge of art of the 20th century, this is a PERFECT book for one's art library as a reference tool. And it's also a GREAT jumping off point for exploring artists: page through randomly, come across something interesting, then go and look for a book of that artist, or head to the museum "in search of."
I treasure my copy, and would not ever wish to part with it.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is great for reference or just entertainment in a lazy moment. It provides information on a great number of contemporary artist with high quality representations of one of their works, including cross references to other artists of similar style or movement. The glossaries include an index of terms, movements and museums. I must have paged through this book a hundred times and just can not get tired of it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Un comentario
Se nota un buen esfuerzo de presentar una muestra de obras representativas del siglo XX, particularmente en el expresionismo abstracto, clasificadas por autor
Published 5 months ago by Juan Manuel Wills
Convenient Handbook of Modern Art
This is a handy and instructive introduction to some of the most important names in the 20th century art. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Dr. Bojan Tunguz
good overview for lesser known works
When reviewing for National Boards--this was a useful tool--concise info and reminders of work I'd forgotten--very useful.
Published on May 9, 2010
A great resource for the amateur or the professional artist.
I originally was introduced to this work by an art teacher who had the hard copy. It is a beautiful account of the major artists of the 20th Century. Read more
Published on March 3, 2010 by J. Roberts
The 20TH Century Artbook
THE 20TH CENTURY ART BOOK is a very informative and well-researched book presenting renowned artists of the 20th century who have had a significant impact on the development of... Read more
Published on June 3, 2009 by N. Jones
Classique et classieux
Intéressante présentation de peintures modernes, pour la plupart connues et appréciées de par le monde. Read more
Published on October 30, 2008 by Mr. Daniel Zehnacker
don't judge a book by it's cover
this book has a really cool cover design but i found the art depicted inside extremely disturbing. do not look at this 'art' until you are familiar with the term dadaism. Read more
Published on August 31, 2008 by J. Mcbay
good
it is a dictionary of the 20th century art,i can look through the artists and their work.
Published on June 7, 2008 by Zheng Yuanwei
Great Reference!
I bought this book as a supplimental text for my 20th Century Art History class and I'm so glad I did! Read more
Published on February 16, 2008 by S. Angus
Book purchase 2
This is an interesting, informative and colorful book in very good condition.
Published on August 1, 2005 by Cheryl L. Bagenstose
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