The Art Book

No jacket, ripped binding, not really acceptable condition.

Rather disappointing, the print so small I would have to use my Oxford Dictionary magnifier to read it. I would not recommend it at all. It's basically a list of brief descriptions of several hundred artists. I've had this experience with Phaidon books in the past.

This book presents an interesting an useful approach to the understanding of art for youngsters. The text for each illustration is written so as to satisfy an inquisitive young mind by asking questions. Details of a piece of art are fully explored, such as in Jan van Eyck's, "The Arnolfini Portrait," where the name of the person painted is given , his occupation, the types of clothes he is wearing, his wife and the details regarding her clothes, the dog, the foreground the background; in essence all aspects of the painting is fully explored for further discussion between the teacher or parent and student. Thirty different artists works and sttitudes are used in the book including such notables as Monet, Picasso, Miro, Wood, Warhol, Velasquez, Rousseau, Rembrandt, Botticelli, Da Vinci, Van Gogh and others. None of the Mexican masters of art, like Rivera, Kahlo , Orozco or Rufino are included which is unfortuate. One of the highlights of the book is Albrect Altdorfer's "Battle of Alexander at Issus," that not only does an outstanding job of explaining the details but the painting has a second page that is a two page spread that shows in greater detail the fantastic piece of art. The leading questions are very helpful in a teaching setting. This helpful book serves as a good introduction to looking at art with a discernig eye and inquisitive mind. It is especially good for visual learners.

I bought this book for my grandchildren, a boy and a girl ages 2 1/2 and 5. Not only are they thrilled with it, their parents are enchanted. This book should be read by everyone! It's a marvelous primer and guide to the world of art, with pictures of some of the world's most famous art treasures and amazingly interesting explanations of why these particular pieces have endured. If you want your children or grandchildren to learn about what makes art relevant, this is the book for them! It should be sold in every art museum in the world. My grandchildren have several other books about art, but none is as erudite and entertaining as this. Trust me, your children will learn some wonderful stuff . . . and so will you. I can't recommend it highly enough. Fabulous!

Give this book to your children. Why? Because you will find out if they really have any interests on the arts. If NOT, read and see it for yourself - it's a real treasure and it will show you more about The Arts as you may see visiting galleries, museums etc. in a lifetime. If YES, when your child shows interests, read and see it too, talk about and who knows, maybe you have an artist in your family or - even this is possible: YOU are the artist! I am an artist, an Installation Art Sculptor and learned from this little handy guide how to look on art. I read it in two days from "alpha to omega". Now I know: THE ART BOOK is my book and my gallery. I wonder why our kids don't get it in schools. They would know about The Arts in some hours more than most of the teachers. Is art education needed? When yes! How much it will cost? THE ART BOOKS itself will give you a good answer. Buy it! Give it to your children, friends .... and to art teachers as a guide. Sincerely - Jan A. Loeffler, Yes2Art originator.

I've used this book countless times for research, etc. It's a reference guide to 500 artists, and on one small page gives what is usually their most famous piece (Leonardo da Vinci "The Mona Lisa", Klimt "The Kiss"), a description of it, a few major details of the artist's life, date and place of birth/death, and also the names of other artists that fall into the same category. At the end of the book there is a glossary of terms, a list of artistic movements, and a museum directory. The reproductions are of very high quality and take up about half a page. It's a great book just to look at, but for someone who wants to gain knowledge of the subject, and for students, this marvelous little book (it's only 5 + 6 1/2 but quite thick) is a must. Phaidon did a splendid thing putting out this volume...you'll love it !