Art: A Visual History

Alas, at university, I was only able to take one art history class. It left me thirsting for more. Now, as an older individual, I am pursuing the study of art history at home on my own time. I bought two books which have been invaluable to my studies. One is the Oxford Dictionary of Art and the second one is this book, Art: A Visual History. This book is like an encyclopedia as it gives a brief synopsis of the entire history of art with small biographies of each renowned artist and clear color photos of their work along with which of their art is remarkable in the advancement of art. All the major movements are discussed though not in deep detail so you can quickly reference a topic's major facts with information on more in-depth reading. I've amassed a large library of art books in my study of art history, but this one is a handy & useful reference tool.

I’ enjoyed the quick short descriptions of the artists and what to look for in their works.

Very good

Very informative.

This is the most candid art book I have ever read. If you want to know what art professionals say about artists and their works, 'after hours,' this is it. The author also gives tips on how to appreciate certain artists. This is more than just saying what the artist did well. He gives you an approach to art that can sometimes seem a bit unapproachable, especially modern and contemporary art. Last thing, some art history books lack warmth or heart. It's like they are written by committee. This book is different. The author tells you what he thinks and feels and it's a pleasure to read.

This book is wonderful for those who want to know about the history of art. Since this book covers scores of eras and movements, the information isn't going to be comprehensive but it doesn't claim to be either. It's great for giving you the jist of a movement and the key artists involved. It also provides great images of the key works of each movement. Would definitely recommend as a beginner's guide to art history!

It’s a perfect art history in nutshell. Don’t expect in-depth lectures about particular art direction but the book gives you enough of information to get you interested in the certain art style or artist or art style. Visually, it’s almost overwhelming. Many pics of paintings, sculptures, drawings.

My dad loved his new book.

One of my best ever Christmas presents. This is a Dorling Kindersley (DK) book in hard cover. It’s 416 pages and measures 20cm wide by 24 cm high. It’s brilliant! The book is encased in a very solid slip cover, which I love, and takes the reader through the ages chronologically from 30,000BC to “1970 Onwards”. Like all DK books the quality is excellent and the colour photographs are beyond brilliant. The book covers eight periods from “Early Art” to “Modernism” and has a good glossary section and a detailed index. The index covers mainly artists and to find a particular painting you have to look under the artist’s name. It’s a great reference and a book I shall really treasure and refer to often.

Great illustrations, interesting information, amazing selection of works

طلبت الكتاب كهدية ووصل الغلاف فيه طعجة بسيطة للاسف من عند الزواية، غير كذا كويس

It is very beautiful from the inside and the outside (the cover is awesome!). And it came perfectly!

Book printing, finishing and Image quality all are perfect. It's an amazing gift option for students or any art enthusiasts.