Visual Arts in the 20th Centry (Trade Version) [Hardcover]

Edward Lucie-Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1997

In this lucid and coherent history of the century of modernism, renowned art writer Edward Lucie-Smith approaches his material in a novel way. Rather than presenting 20th-century visual arts as merely a succession of various styles, he goes beyond to examine the historical, social, and intellectual contexts that have surrounded and supported individual creativity. This is the first book of its type to strongly emphasize photography—an art form that has remained accessible without losing its avant-garde status.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

With this volume, art historian Lucie-Smith (Art Today, LJ 11/15/95) again proves his mastery of the general survey art book. The format and content of this large primer resembles an earlier textbook by the publisher, Peter Selz's Art in Our Times: A Pictorial History, 1890-1980 (LJ 6/15/81). Both have an historical rather than a stylistic approach; chapters are divided by decades, which are then subdivided by media; and each has time lines with year-by-year highlights delineating and linking the political, intellectual, and cultural landscape. Significantly, the new work adds the field of photography to the discussion of painting, sculpture, graphic arts, and architecture. In addition, it makes a stab at pluralism, including greater discussion of women and non-Western artists. These discussions aren't much more than lip service, however, so that despite strong color illustrations, a clear layout, and comprehensiveness, the book earns only a B+. Recommended for general collections and art libraries with a primarily popular focus.?Heidi Martin Winston, NYPL
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

In this lucid and coherent history of the century of modernism, renowned art writer Edward Lucie-Smith approaches his material in an innovative way. Rather than presenting 20th-century visual arts as merely a succession of various styles, he goes beyond to examine the historical, social, and intellectual contexts that have surrounded and supported individual creativity. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810939347
• ISBN-13: 978-0810939349
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,317,619 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Textbook used for my Modern Art class, December 27, 2000

By 

K. Glinnen "kglinnen" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Visual Arts in the 20th Centry (Trade Version) (Hardcover)

Very useful in my college Modern Art course. Good sized illustrations and summaries of significant modern artists such as Pollock, Dali, and Mondrian. Well explained modern art movements and effects they had. All in all, a great book, and highly recommended for the art student or any lover of modern art.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good book., September 21, 2011

By 

cyramoon - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Visual Arts in the 20th Century (Paperback)

This book has good pictures with wonderful explinations into the different aspects of the picture information. It delves into background of artists and historical going ons.

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, July 13, 2009

By 

J. Guarraci - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Visual Arts in the 20th Century (Paperback)

This book needs to be published again. It is concise, brilliantly laid out , and an incredible study aid for the art historian. Great addition to any library. It was everything it was promised to be and more, and it arrived in time for an exam thank you.