4.31

5

September 29, 2012

Beautiful

First off I would like to say that this book is huge and heavy. A total back breaker. With that said the content of the book is well written and the artwork depicted is splendid. I had to get this for a class I'm taking and thought I would sell it back at the end of the school year but changed my mind. I can't get pass the beauty of this product. As well as the detailed history that Marilyn Stokstad provides. It's thorough and to the point without being dry. Which makes learning about the history of Art more fun in my eyes. I believe anybody will enjoy having this book whether or not you are taking a college course or not. It's a definite conversation piece. Not something to be plowed through (especially topping at a 1000 pages)but something you can go back to time and time again to explore the different cultural aspects of art. Yes it's a hefty price tag but well worth the cost. Can't say that about the many textbooks I had to purchase over the year. This one is a keeper.

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!!

5

November 23, 2015

Art History made readable

I am studying to be a Docent at the Phoenix Art Museum and this book is required reading for the 18 month program. I have read about 1/3 so far and it's really got good, thorough content.

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.

5

July 31, 2016

Love this textbook I got for an art history course

Love this textbook I got for an art history course, was able to buy it used. Still have it on my shelf as a reference for inspiration.

5

August 17, 2017

Five Stars

great resource

5

June 29, 2014

Easy to read, understandable art book.

I strongly recommend this Art History book for everyone interested in arts. I'm not an art student, but I sit and read this book from time to time. I find the texts comprehensible even without prior knowledge, art photos of good quality and easy to navigate index. You can find any artist of slight importance mentioned here, and all notable artists are reviewed in detail. Very good book!

5

July 29, 2018

Looks great!

Book came in excellent condition. Paper cover had a few wrinkles but has protected the integrity of the book in pristine condition

5

September 12, 2016

Five Stars

Really good research book. :)

5

March 1, 2015

Great condition

Wonderful quality for a used box, a strange almost dusty texture on the cover but the book is in almost new condition. Came when it said it would, very helpful for my art history class.

5

November 15, 2015

Five Stars

great item

4

April 23, 2017

It's an amazing book. Full of interesting facts and with fantastic ...

It's an amazing book. Full of interesting facts and with fantastic photos.
It weighs in at 10.5 lbs, which is a lot to hold or lug around, though!!

1

February 26, 2016

The quality is poor.

The quality is poor.

1

November 11, 2015

One Star

It is not combined volume. It's only volume 2.

2

March 19, 2016

Abstractly advocating arrogance

This book misrepresents. Its authors, misrepresenting not only the politics and theology they mention in it but also the contents of the photographs in it, are neither artists nor historians. They monstrously demonstrate in their book that they know neither the difference between spirit and material nor the difference between intellectual understanding and pedantic pretention. And they say throughout it that their perverse reaction to the art and history they misrepresent is what we feel. They conspicuously ignore the basic aesthetic fact that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. What “seems” to them isn’t what seems to everyone. They preach such but ignore it. HITRT

3

March 29, 2018

Good book but flagged.

I was reading this book at the store in the bathroom and when I came out the sales associates forced me to purchase because it took it in the bathroom. When I tried to return to a different bookseller it was apperantly listed in their system as being flagged for having been in the bathroom. I can't even donate this book! Not bad but def not worth being forced to purchase.

3

August 16, 2015

A little disappointed.

The product came dented and torn in the bottom corner, yet I bought it new...

3

December 23, 2014

Three Stars

Not nearly enough pictures and art examples in a book of this size and context.

3

September 26, 2014

Three Stars

hardly ever opened the book.

3

February 17, 2013

Good.. but..

This book was good, however the packaging was ripped in the corners upon arrival. And a lot of the pages had a sticky residue on them. I think i could have gotten a book in better condition for the same price. Overall it was Okay.

4

March 8, 2014

the cover wasn't as I expected

Although the cover was ripped off pretty much, I still really like it because it's just what I need and I guess that's fine for the price.

4

February 13, 2014

The quality of the book is good

Heavy and has a lot of information. Ordered for school, not much more I can say about it. Hard back.

4

September 12, 2013

It is huge and heavy but detailed

This book is huge, yet a good, brief summary of art history. Yhis information is available online, but most professors demand key terms be learned from the book

5

July 31, 2016

Comprehensive, massive

Comprehensive, massive