Product Description: In the mid 1920's a teacher at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago had a vision to provide students and instructors with a textbook that would introduce them to the artistic legacy of not only Europe, but of the entire globe. In 1926, Harcourt Brace and Company published that vision - ART THROUGH THE AGES. Since that time, Helen Gardner's vision has been the leader in educating students about the artistic legacy of the world. For the past 75 years, ART THROUGH THE AGES has defined the introductory art history course. The intention of this classic, in Helen Gardner's words, has been "to introduce the reader to certain phases of art, architecture, painting, sculpture, and the minor arts from the remote days of the glacial age in Europe, through successive civilizations of the Near East, Europe, America, and the Orient, to the twentieth century." Now, as we begin a new millennium, we do so with the eleventh edition. This text is more accessible and easier to read for students, but does not compromise the richness of the Gardner tradition.
Amazon.com Review: No art history student can get through a semester without the twin doorstops of Art Through the Ages. Chronicling the history of art from the earliest known cave paintings to postmodern architecture, as well as most major artists, works, and styles in between, these books are must-haves for those interested in understanding art in context. Both books are surveys, and experts may notice the omission of more esoteric movements and artists. Regardless, these volumes are invaluable references--especially since each edition of this classic improves noticeably in its coverage of non-Western art.
Gardner's Art through the Ages The product, although used, is in great shape. Despite being a text book there are no markings and almost no wear on the cover. The price was resonable, and it was shipped at a personal lose to the shipper. It got to me before several textbooks I had shipped priority. AWESOME!!!
Go Gardner Simply the best art book there is around. It is detailed without being wordy and gives you exactly what you need to know.
Comprehensive Source As a high school sophomore using this book as a reference source for art history AP class has been quite an experience. While encompassing many of the major aspects of art history, there are some points it fails to acknowledge and which can only be addressed by a teacher who actually knows his stuff. The only other complaint that at 13 1/2 lbs., it's very hard to trudge up four flights of stairs.
Essential for anybody interested in art Short review: ... buy it. If it requires selling vital organs or loved ones to pay for it, it's worth it.
Long review: I enrolled in an Art History course with no idea what I was going to get as a textbook. This book is well-written, intelligent, informative without being overly esoteric, and above all beautiful. The prints are generally in color and always well-reproduced. Historical context is always provided, which gives a solid background for anybody looking to learn about the time any artwork was created. The text also offers insightful commentary about each piece selected for display. This book is so good, in fact, that it's become known as the semi-official Art History 101 textbook. Even if the history's not your thing (and for crying out loud, why not?), the book provides untold hours of beauty.
One word: perfection.
Beautiful book, but poorly edited. This is lushly detailed book with fine reproductions. However, I found the book to be full of editorial errors and blunders. Why should consumers be asked to pay one-hundred dollars for a book that is this poorly edited? Profits should go towards finding new editorial help. Let's hope the new edition finds someone in charge that is more organized and observant.
Anything Goes Trivia
Megaton Man
Tailipoe
Trevor
