[G3I]⇒ Libro The Story of Art 16th Edition EH Gombrich 9780714833552 Books

The Story of Art 16th Edition EH Gombrich 9780714833552 Books

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The Story of Art 16th Edition EH Gombrich 9780714833552 Books

This is a monumental work. After touring the Louvre, the Orsay, the Met and others I realized that I was just an art tourist. I'd wander around and enjoy what I was looking at but lacking any understanding of it. So, I bought this book to learn the basic history of art. Now, I need to return to the museums to give a new look at what I've seen before using my new knowledge. One thing I loved about it was discovering so many artists that I either didn't know about or didn't really appreciate before. I like the way he presents each period and school as building on what came before. But if Renaissance was the epitome of perspective and natural anatomy, it doesn't mean that we can't appreciate what came before it.

The book is 600 pages with lots of pictures so he is covering about 5,000 years in about 90,000 words which means he understandably breezes through parts, leaving important artists and pieces unmentioned and not giving a very deep understanding of the social and political environment which spawned them. What I did was to read in front of my computer so that as he mentioned things, I could consult wikipedia or other sources for further information. I often wandered off reading of the Franco-Prussian War or the Annunciation but it all broadened my knowledge and I could also look at other works of an important artist.

As it is a survey work, I would recommend reading further about periods or artists which interest you but you will at least have a fledgling knowledge to begin.


Tags : The Story of Art, 16th Edition [E.H. Gombrich] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. An illustrated introduction to art appreciation with a survey of the major art periods and styles and descriptions of the work and world of the masters,E.H. Gombrich,The Story of Art, 16th Edition,Phaidon Press,071483355X,ART015000,Art - History,Art;History.,ART History General,Art,Art & Art Instruction,GENERAL,Great BritainBritish Isles,HISTORY OF FINE ARTS,History,History - General,History of art art & design styles,Non-Fiction,ScholarlyUndergraduate

The Story of Art 16th Edition EH Gombrich 9780714833552 Books Reviews

Gombrich, the leading art historian and critic of the latter half of the 20th century, sets forth in his opening pages what he going to do in this book and then actually does it. More than that, he surpasses all expectations. I have never read a book so quickly and so enjoyably. I read it to prepare for a lengthy vacation in Paris and Italy (six weeks). I took the vacation, took some copies of certain pages in his book and enjoyed the ubiquitous art in Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris and other smaller towns. Although obviously a highly intelligent and knowledgable person, Gombrich in The Story of Art wears his learning lightly. He makes it possible for people of varying interests, abilities, knowledge and intelligences to enjoy and understand art. What sets him apart from so many writers is a totally sincere interest in educating people about art and the appropriate way to respond to it. I realize the utopian nature of this suggestion, but every college should require at least one quarter or semester on art and use The Story of Art as the main textbook. Even mediocre teaching cannot undermine the knowledge and enthusiasm a student
will gain from this magnificent book.
Such a great introduction to art! If you are even the slightest bit interested in art history, read this book. Actually, read it even if you aren't. I read this book because I didn't understand why people made such a big deal about famous paintings and artists. (I'm more of a music/writing person.) This book helped me begin to appreciate the kind of art you see in museums. This book has truly enriched my life.

A few words on the pocket paperback edition. It is a gorgeously constructed book, with a matte jacket and two place-holding ribbons. The first section is the text, printed on bible-thickness paper in a nice typeface. The second part contains high-quality (but tiny) images of all the works referenced in the text, in the order that they are referenced. If possible, I would suggest buying one of the full-sized editions so you don't have to flip back and forth, and so that the images will be larger. However, those editions are a bit heavy to tote around all day.
I've read a few "art 101" style histories, and this stands out as by far the best. The problem with most comprehensive histories is that each chapter is usually written by a different author. Consequently, they end up reading like encyclopedias rather than smooth narratives. Volumes like Gardner and Janson are big, impressive, authoritative, and richly illustrated, but reading them cover to cover tends to be a painful and boring labor. Not so with Gombrich, whose "Story of Art" truly reads like a story. Each chapter progresses nicely from the last, making reference to material already covered. The 400+ full page illustrations mean you know exactly what he's describing.

It's worth noting that, with the exception of one chapter on Islamic and Chinese art, Gombrich covers western art almost exclusively. While this might be unsatisfying to some, I think sacrificing comprehensiveness is worth maintaining narrative flow.

My only complaint is that all the illustrations are lumped together in the back of the pocket edition. This necessitates constant flipping back and forth while reading. I suppose the publisher had to do this to keep the price low and the size small, but it becomes tiresome pretty quickly.
If you've ever wanted to take an art history course, without sitting in a classroom this book is for you. The text is readable and not pedantic. The illustrations of the art are wonderful and some fold out so you can see the details of the work. It's a huge book, so I'm going through it bit by bit. A great addition to my art library.
all his books feel like friends to me, I am always sad one is ending. a very sweet and comprehensive review of the history of art for beginners and everyone else, and for all ages. he doesn't only tell the history, but the story of the evolution of the art, but makes it brief enough that it never gets boring. the relevant and high-quality colored images are specifically helpful and makes the book even more enjoyable.
This is a monumental work. After touring the Louvre, the Orsay, the Met and others I realized that I was just an art tourist. I'd wander around and enjoy what I was looking at but lacking any understanding of it. So, I bought this book to learn the basic history of art. Now, I need to return to the museums to give a new look at what I've seen before using my new knowledge. One thing I loved about it was discovering so many artists that I either didn't know about or didn't really appreciate before. I like the way he presents each period and school as building on what came before. But if Renaissance was the epitome of perspective and natural anatomy, it doesn't mean that we can't appreciate what came before it.

The book is 600 pages with lots of pictures so he is covering about 5,000 years in about 90,000 words which means he understandably breezes through parts, leaving important artists and pieces unmentioned and not giving a very deep understanding of the social and political environment which spawned them. What I did was to read in front of my computer so that as he mentioned things, I could consult wikipedia or other sources for further information. I often wandered off reading of the Franco-Prussian War or the Annunciation but it all broadened my knowledge and I could also look at other works of an important artist.

As it is a survey work, I would recommend reading further about periods or artists which interest you but you will at least have a fledgling knowledge to begin.