Byzantine Art and Architecture: An Introduction [Paperback]

Lyn Rodley (Author)

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Product Details

Paperback: 396 pages
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (July 13 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0521357241
ISBN-13: 978-0521357241
Product Dimensions: 2.9 x 2.1 x 0.3 cm
Shipping Weight: 980 g

Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #860,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Review

'This is a most comprehensive and exemplary book ... Dr Rodley must be congratulated upon producing such an authoritative survey of a complex period, and in presenting it in terms which both the specialist and non-specialist will readily comprehend.' The Greek Gazette

Product Description

This book provides a standard introduction to Byzantine art and architecture for the university student and for anyone seriously interested in the subject. It covers the whole Byzantine period from the fourth to the fourteenth century in a systematic manner, by period, dealing with material culture under main section headings (such as architecture, sculpture, monumental art, minor arts and manuscripts) for ease of reference. The text is illustrated by well over 300 maps, plans and halftones.

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Inside This Book (Learn More)

First Sentence
'Metamorphosis' is the term often used for the process by which the pagan Roman empire became the Christian Byzantine empire - an appropriate term because the change came about through the modification of existing traditions to new purposes. Read the first page

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Concordance

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3.0 out of 5 stars Thorough, but not compelling, Mar 31 2003

Pumpkinhead "Pumpkinhead" (The Swamp) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Byzantine Art and Architecture: An Introduction (Paperback)

This is surely the most thorough and organized book available dealing with Byzantine art and architecture. It is chronologically ordered, and in each time period architecture, monumental art, sculpture, minor arts, and illuminated manuscripts are examined in turn.
There are two problems with the book however, that aren't discernable from the information presented here by editorial and customer reviews. The first, unfortunate trouble is the complete lack of color photography. Maybe this isn't a scholarly complaint, but art is meant to be seen in color. Byzantium's lustrous golden mosaics just don't come across that well in a black and white still. The size of the photos is also a disappointment, especially with the architecture. The Hagia Sophia, the greatest work of Byzantine architecture, is shown in a picture not much larger than an index card. I would gladly have paid another 25 dollars to get color illustrations.
The other problem is tied to the organizational format. I realize I am contradicting myself, but the slavish listing of works by type, i.e. architecture, sculpture, etc. doesn't allow for more significant works to be discussed at length. A beautiful and well-preserved structure such as San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy is given a cursory 2 or 3 paragraphs then is mentioned later when mosaics are examined, again for a half page at best.
For sheer volume of information this book is an excellent scholarly reference but to truly gain an appreciation of Byzantine art, I would suggest purchasing a less erudite but better illustrated book like Jannic Durand's Byzantine Art as a companion piece.

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Amazon.com: 5.0 out of 5 stars (1 customer review)

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally ! An high caliber, sensible introduction, Jan 27 1998

By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com

This review is from: Byzantine Art and Architecture: An Introduction (Paperback)

Honestly, the first of its kind. A rich and truly significant era of art history meticulously researched has produced a truly wonderful volume aimed at university-level students, with thorough additional sources thoughtfully appended. Rodley is a leading British scholar of this period, with outstanding field experience. Majority of pictures are her own, and beautifully rendered. Absolutely should be a required text all art/art history libraries. A significant contribution to the canon. Future textbooks would do well to follow Rodley's lead in style and presentation.

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