Art: A Crash Course

The size is terrific. Easy to slip into a purse or pocket and carry through the museum. Fine reference for art one does not know. Clear and concise and intelligently written. Nice heavy slick paper with lovely colored illustrations. I'm buying books for two of my art pals to carry (also) when we go to the museums together.

This book is wonderful! It covers all the important artists and periods without being wordy. I knew next to nothing about art before I read this book; it gave me a great overview of the world of art. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.

Freeman's hectic (manic?) style is exactly right for this brisk tour of art through the ages. If you ever felt your feet turn to lead as you were moved round one of those great art galleries by a serious, informed, but oh-so-boring tour guide, then get all light and giddy again as Jules whisks you from Boudin to Basquiat with a song and a laugh... Best of all (as far as I can tell) all the names, dates, picture attributions are RIGHT! So keep it on your bookshelf for the next time you forget whether it was Manet or Monet who did the waterlilies.

Coming from Consett in the cold heart of the industrial north of England, and not having been particularly well educated, I find this a good and easy read. I have always enjoyed art and drawing and this has helped my understanding and appreciation of art history. However, some of the americanisms are a little hard for a Geordie like me to understand! The illustrations by Curtis Tappenden and Andrew Roberts are especially good ,and following a timeline, carry you through the text, with ease.