4.31

4

Sep 18, 2016

While I have always been interested in the history of art, I really didn’t know much about the subject. In order to rectify that fact, a few years ago I went in search of a good introductory book. After some research, I ended up picking up a copy of Marilyn Stokstad’s two-volume set, and I have been picking my way through it ever since, finally polishing volume two off earlier this week.



Art History is designed as textbook for art history courses, and it can read like a textbook at times (albeit

While I have always been interested in the history of art, I really didn’t know much about the subject. In order to rectify that fact, a few years ago I went in search of a good introductory book. After some research, I ended up picking up a copy of Marilyn Stokstad’s two-volume set, and I have been picking my way through it ever since, finally polishing volume two off earlier this week.



Art History is designed as textbook for art history courses, and it can read like a textbook at times (albeit an engaging one). However, it has plenty to offer the general reader. The book is extremely comprehensive, covering artwork from prehistoric cave paintings through the modern and post-modern era. While plenty of space is devoted to Western artwork, Stokstad also spends time discussing artwork from all over the world. While the emphasis is on painting and sculpture, a significant amount of time is spent on architectural development as well. The book is chock-full of high quality, color photographs of the artwork under discussion, which was an important factor for me. While the writing is simple and direct (again, think textbook), Stokstad writes clearly and does a good job of explaining the importance of artistic movements and concepts for the layman.



With a scope this large, Art History is forced to march pretty quickly through some major artists and time periods that I would have liked to see covered in greater depth. But as an introductory volume this was very effective and informative, and if it left me wanting to know more about specific artists and their careers, then perhaps it did its job. 4.0 stars, recommended! ...more

5

Aug 24, 2009

It's huge, very heavy. Had to read the whole book (except architecture) for a 1 year docent class. Great resource -- but too big to carry to a class!!

4

Oct 16, 2010

This book delves deep into the history of art and covers, to varying degrees, all continents and most historical periods. With hundreds of pictures, including paintings, architecture and landscapes.

As much as I enjoyed it, the newer edition goes for ~$130 on Amazon.com, which I find ridiculous. I got mine second hand.

4

Jun 13, 2018

I like this kind of books. I hope many people read this book instead of playing computer games for exemple.

4

May 08, 2010

My son's textbook turns out to be a pleasure to me! This is Volume Two of a two volume set on art history. It covers the period from early Renaissance art in Europe to the post-1945 international avant-garde. In between is art from Europe and other parts of the world, including India, China, Japan, the Americas, the Pacific cultures, and Africa. The Introduction places the time frame in this book in context.

The book begins with such architectural gems as the Church of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, van My son's textbook turns out to be a pleasure to me! This is Volume Two of a two volume set on art history. It covers the period from early Renaissance art in Europe to the post-1945 international avant-garde. In between is art from Europe and other parts of the world, including India, China, Japan, the Americas, the Pacific cultures, and Africa. The Introduction places the time frame in this book in context.

The book begins with such architectural gems as the Church of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, van Eyck's art, tapestry, frescoes, the Dome of the Florence Cathedral, Donatello's sculpture, and so on. Fast forward to the avant-garde. Anselm Kiefer's painting, "Heath of the Brandenberg March," is very telling to me.

All in all, a nice tour of art in all its forms and in different regions of the world from the Renaissance to the present. . . . ...more

5

Oct 05, 2009

If you want to read an Art History book read this one. Actually I have not only this book but she also broke it down into smaller sections which I used for my Asian Art class and really are more convenient. This book is huge and not one that you would carry around with you everywhere. That said though it is very well written and the vast amount of information given on a huge breadth of subjects is very impressive. The images are great quality and again amazing in their number. Not a dry read at If you want to read an Art History book read this one. Actually I have not only this book but she also broke it down into smaller sections which I used for my Asian Art class and really are more convenient. This book is huge and not one that you would carry around with you everywhere. That said though it is very well written and the vast amount of information given on a huge breadth of subjects is very impressive. The images are great quality and again amazing in their number. Not a dry read at all and one that makes cultures and their art come alive. ...more

5

Dec 28, 2016

This was my textbook for AP Art History in high school and it remains my go-to reference for anything art related other than the most modern pieces (I have the 1996 version so it obviously doesn't cover present day). At 16 years old the binding is broken, the pages are torn, and there are hundreds of post-its marking favorite pages. If you are looking for an in-depth beginners reference, this is still a wonderful book to pick up today.

5

May 16, 2007

This book, this five lb. book was what I lugged around for four years. My lovely survey book. I would be lost without it. Filled with post-it notes and highlighter marks.
Stokstad's Art History survey is amazing. If you are looking for a great coffee table book with lots of amazing info inside this is the book for you.
This edition is not the one I had, mine was from 1999 but I think that one is out of print now...

5

Dec 25, 2008

I don't know why anyone would rate it a 2 or a 3. It's definitely a 5. :) Then again, we all have different tastes. This book is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the Arts and for those who simply want to expand their horizon.

4

Jul 26, 2012

Finally done! But then I understood there should be better Art books... lol

5

Feb 12, 2013

One of my favorite Art History books. A beautifully illustrated introduction of Art History throughout the ages.

0

Feb 18, 2008

this is my art history book from college and i love it beucase it is so heavy it keeps my crappy bookshelf from target from falling over.

5

Mar 06, 2013

I Love this book!
it is currently my textbook in my art history class and it is chock full of information about anything you need to know about art!
this is a must read for ANY art historian!

2

May 18, 2013

There's only so much love you can show a book on Art History. She managed to keep it from getting completely dry, but by the end I was still struggling.