Gothic Art: Glorious Visions

I generally read art history as a gentle way to access historical information in a setting less dry than the average non fiction text. Michael Camille's "Glorious Visions" is a cool, soothing, and soaring text which leaves you feeling self satisfied for reading something informative. Camille challenges the usual art historical judgment that gothic art was merely a stiff forerunner to the glories of the renaissance and his book is replete with examples that Gothic art was a great artistic achievement on its own. The book describes the Gothic experience of vision, but Camille also brings modern sensibilities to bear on Gothic history. He examines art's darker side, including the cost of these fabulous works to the peasantry and the disturbing depiction of the poor and other despised groups (such as the Jews). This book is easily accessible, lavishly illustrated, and immediately compelling. Highly recommended to any student of art, history, or beauty!