- Paperback: 784 pages
- Publisher: Penguin Paperbacks; Reprint edition (Nov 29 2001)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0140514201
- ISBN-13: 978-0140514209
- Product Dimensions: 23.5 x 16.1 x 4.2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 853 g
- Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,384,451 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Library Journal
Just what we all have been waiting for! An easy-to-read, scholarly yet not lofty, fascinating, and very well-organized book written for everyone and anyone interested in art history. The dictionary has an impressive board of editors, including Richard Brilliant (former editor in chief of The Art Bulletin) and Marilyn Stokstad (author of the newest major survey text, Art History), but in the end it was written in a single voice by Frazier, a former journalist and editor who has written widely on art. She broadens the scope of the traditional art-historical dictionary with a fresh, multidisciplinary perspective that successfully weaves in culture, politics, philosophy, psychology, technology, and economics for a well-rounded point of view. In 1500 entries--ranging from 35 to 600 words--the dictionary takes its subjects out of an art-historical vacuum and places art back in the context of the real world. Helpful cross references are written uppercase, and often an entry begins with an enlightening quote from the subject. The expansive range of entries includes Robert Mapplethorpe, Giotto di Bondone, mezzotint, fluxus, camera obscura, and baroque to name a few. Truly fun to read, this is most highly recommended for all libraries.
-Jennifer L.S. Moldwin, Detroit Inst. of Arts Lib.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
-Jennifer L.S. Moldwin, Detroit Inst. of Arts Lib.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Booklist
This volume seeks to present an interdisciplinary approach to art history. It uses information from a number of fields, such as literature, psychology, history, geography, and economics, to give a cultural context to the changes in art. There are more than 1,500 alphabetically arranged entries, from very short (13 words) to substantial (several pages), encompassing such subjects as Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the definition of plein air painting, and the use of tropology to study individual works of art.
Each biographical entry includes birth and death dates when known, nationality, medium used, and style of work or school of art. They also include an initial quotation, either by or about the individual. Entries for artists include a more detailed description of their style of art, materials used, a reference to one or more significant pieces of work, some biographical information, and associated artists or styles. Entries on specific styles or movements include the chronological period in which they flourished, a statement of the main tenets of that particular style or movement, and representative artists and works. See also references are included both within and between entries and are displayed in capital letters. First and last entries are indicated at the top of each page, and there is sufficient space to enable easy photocopying.
On the whole, this volume provides a good overview of art history, although illustrations would have made it more useful. Much of the information is available in other one-volume works, such as The Bulfinch Guide to Art History [RBB N 15 96] and The Oxford Dictionary of Art [RBB O 1 97]. Libraries that do not hold these other titles will find the Penguin effort to be an excellent ready-reference source, and it is recommended for high-school, public, and academic libraries.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Thin, outdated, and pretty much useless,
By
This review is from: Penguin Concise Dictionary Of Art History (Hardcover)
As an artist for 30 years and a teacher for over 20, I can't figure out how anyone could actually find this book useful. First of all, this is an ART book with NO illustrations --- so you need to know something else before you read the entries. I must admit that I haven't read the whole book, but none of the dozen or so entries I saw gave useful information. For example, notes on Frank Stella, Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Robert Morris, Bruce Nauman, were mainly short descriptions of single works, or periods of work, from 25-40 years ago. The shallow entries seem to be quick, random, fact and quote gathering. The writer seems to have much more interest in what might be called traditional art as the entries seem longer --- for example the entry on Puvis de Chavannes is longer than that for Rauschenberg. What this book is for is beyond me. This may not be the fault of the writer, but it is a fault of the whole concept. Can't be done in 730 pages.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hello Nancy!,
By Kimberly "AmazonFan" (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Penguin Concise Dictionary Of Art History (Hardcover)
I worked as a research and editorial assistant with Ms. Frazier on this book, and I must say that Nancy is one of the most knowledgeable, well-read and experienced art historians today. Her abilities as an author as well as her diverse interests are evidenced by her previous publications, both of which aided her in the MONUMENTAL task of compiling this dictionary. As a resource, this dictionary will serve well any student - however, it also makes for interesting and enlightening reading for any lover of art. On a more personal note, working with Nancy was a delightful experience that I shall always treasure.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
3.4 out of 5 stars (5 customer reviews) 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
what a delightful read!,
By nicholas schroeder - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Penguin Concise Dictionary Of Art History (Hardcover)
Nancy Frazier's Concise Dictionary of Art History is truly a boon to any art lover or student. The entries are informative and often leavened with great wit--not the dry academese that so often mars reference works. A fun book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, whether you know anything--or everything--about art. Would make a great present.
1.0 out of 5 stars
Written well, poorly constructed,
By Jay@thelibrary - Published on Amazon.com
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Penguin Concise Dictionary Of Art History (Hardcover)
Don't waste your money.What's the point of publishing a book that's written well, yet is constructed so cheaply? My copy started falling apart the day after I bought it. What happened to you, Penguin?
5.0 out of 5 stars
An engaging resource,
By art lover - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Penguin Concise Dictionary Of Art History (Paperback)
This book is a well-written, easy to use reference and the author's style is clear, understandable language. Museum goers in particular will especially appreciate it. My husband and I enjoytraveling around the country and we visit musems wherever we are. The Penguin Concise Dictionary of Art History is a marvelous resource that travels with us and one to which we frequently refer. Not only does it give information about the artists, but the quotations that accompany the write-ups help bring the artists to life. The Dictionary also makes a great gift. We gave a copy to a recent graduate who will be teaching art in hgh school and she was thrilled. In addition, we have been led to seek out other books by the author, Nancy Frazier, and are very impressed with her work.
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