Product Description
This second edition of noted art historian James Hall's classic dictionary of subjects and themes in Western art is a definitive work by which others will be compared. The book is also an indispensable tool for students and art appreciators who are looking to enhance the understanding and enjoyment of their viewing.

Here in a single succinct volume are combined religious, classical, and historical themes, the figures of moral allegory, and characters from romantic poetry, all of which have been established through paintings and sculpture in Western art before and after the Renaissance. More than just a dictionary, this text places these subjects in their narrative, historical, or mythological context and uses extensive cross-referencing to enhance and clarify their meanings. This thoroughly redesigned second edition includes a new insert of sixteen images, hand-selected by the author to depict key themes in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Lifelong Companion for Art Lovers and Cruciverbalists
Love art but don't always remember the cast of characters of your Lives of the Saints or Greek Mythology?? Then this is for you. Neatly presented in alphabetical order is an abstract describing the events in all the scenes you are likely to see depicted as you walk through the galleries of the Louvre or the Metropolitan Museum. In cross-word puzzles (the difficult kind, not the general knowledge ones), can't remember the attribute of the saint referred to in the clue?? A quick glance at the relevant paragraph will allow you to feel as smart as a PhD in Theology. Easy to carry about your person, quick and convenient to use, that invaluable gem of a reference book should be given to each new-born baby whose parents care about cultural inheritance.

Not much help
I was looking for a book with lots of information about symbols throughout art, this book is not the answer for that.This is more of a list of objects that are poorly put together and lack any great description.If you're looking for symbolism in art information this is not the book.actually I'm still looking for that book out there...
But in the mean time don't waste your time and money on this one.

Very nice
The book came to me very promptly and in wonderful condition. I ordered 6 books and this book arrived first. I would do business with this person again.

Dated, but still a fine resource
If you are an Art History major (or even taking such a class) it is an good resource. The style is dated, and it is limited in its definitions, but is good for earlier art periods.

Excellent. Must buy!
Author: Lee Sandstead

Most great works of art are narratives or allegories that relate a story, myth, legend or particular concept, but in our era of pathetic education, most people are not familiar with the stories from Antiquity or the Judeo-Christian heritage that are necessary to decipher those narratives or allegories.The "Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art," by James Hall, is a dictionary that defines the major subjects and symbols of western art. It contains numerous explanations of legends, myths, symbols, heroes, heroines and citations that show, if applicable, their original source in historical texts or literature.

In Jacques-Louis David's "The Oath of the Horatii," we see three men reaching their arms out to an older man raising three swords.To the right of them are women and children on the floor in anguish.If you are not familiar with Livy, Plutarch or Pierre Corneille's play "Horace," then the story will probably escape you, and you will be at the mercy of the title for any information regarding the painting's subject.But by having the "Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art," you can read about the Horatii as a subject. For instance, you will learn that the legend is recounted in Livy and Plutarch; that the three men with raised arms are brothers; that the elderly man with the three swords is their father; that the action being preformed is an oath taken by the brothers to defend Rome by killing three of their cousins; and that one of the women on the ground is married to one of the fated cousins.By knowing this factual information, you can discern the theme of the painting-one should sacrifice all for the State-and be able to judge the painting not only for its style, but also its explicit message.

I believe that everyone should have a copy of this book in their home.Personally, it has enabled me to garner more meaning, more value and more passion out of my favorite works of art.

Best,

Lee Sandstead ... Read more

Product Description
Covering Western art from the ancient Greeks to the present day, this best-selling and authoritative dictionary is more wide-ranging than any comparable reference work. It contains over 2,500 clear and concise entries on styles and movements, materials and techniques, and museums and galleries. It also includes biographical entries for artists, critics, collectors, dealers, and patrons, with places and full dates of birth and death (in many instances correcting misinformation that has found its way into other sources). For this new edition, entries have been thoroughly revised and updated, and more than fifty new entries have been added. Browsers and readers with an interest in a particular area will benefit from the classified list of all the entries in the book. Written in an engaging manner with many entries enlivened by quotations from artists and critics, this dictionary is a pleasure to browse, while its A-Z structure and classified list makes it perfect for quick reference. Previously entitled The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists, this major new edition is essential for anyone with an interest in art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

ok for looking up art and artists, but Google is better
This is a no-frills dictionary of art and artists. There are no images. I get much more information by using Google, and usually the Google search is faster. Also, Google allows me to find historical context for the art and artists. ... Read more

Product Description
This dictionary provides comprehensive information on the fine arts, with entries on paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints, and the artists who have made them, throughout the world. It covers historical styles and movements in the arts, and contains entries on techniques, materials and terms, as well as on the major writers whose ideas have influenced the course of art and the work of artists. This revised and updated edition contains more than 2500 entries, over 200 entries having been added to those in the previous edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This is a must-read for anyone who is interested in art!
International and up-to-date, this extensively illustrated and copiously cross-referenced dictionary covers over 2500 artists, paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, schools and movements, including essentialinformation on contemporary art and artists, not available elsewhere, andon techniques, materials, terms, and writers who have influenced artists.This indispensable source book has now been extensively revised,supplemented and updated with over 200 new entries. ... Read more

Product Description
Boasting well over 6,000 contributors from 12 countries, the Dictionary offers its readers authoritative and comprehensive global coverage.
A resource for both art and cultural studies, the Dictionary serves as a unique guide to all the visual arts: painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, drawing, printmaking, as well as the decorative arts. The Dictionary ranges far both geographically and historically; it features unparalleled coverage of Africa, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and Mongolia, China, India, the Islamic world, Japan, Korea, Native North America, Pacific and Aboriginal Australia, Pre-Columbian America, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Ancient Near East, and Ancient Rome. Providing depth as well as breadth, The Dictionary of Art examines important art forms and key issues of design, taste, function, and patronage, illuminating them in light of the cultural context in which they developed.Amazon.com Review
If you have a passion for art and room for 34 fat volumes on thesubject, then Grove's Dictionary ofArt is for you. This enormous compendium contains just abouteverything anyone would ever want to know about art, artists, artcritics, art collectors, or anything else connected to the world ofart. What's more, this dictionary strives to be global in its point ofview--almost half the content covers non-Western subjects, andcontributors hail from 120 countries. With so many different sourcesand such a vast array of subjects represented, it's not surprisingthat the writing varies from the merely competent to thesublime. Obviously, a 32,600-page dictionary is not for everybody, but it surewould look great on the shelf next to Grove's 20-volume Dictionary of Music andMusicians; you might keep it in mind the next time you'reshopping for the art lover who has everything (that is, if you buy iton layaway). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An essential reference work
The articles in this multi-volume dictionary of art, artists, schools, and art centers offer a place to begin further research into individual topics and artists. Those I have used, dealing mainly with 16th-18th century European artists, have been written by experts who have generally published in the specific area about which they write and come with a brief bibliography of current works for further research. This set has saved me hours of random searches and led me to many interesting art historians and critics very economically. Essential for advanced students and art appraisers. ... Read more

Product Description
Fully revised for its seventh edition, this comprehensive and detailed reference contains entries on major artists of the last seven centuries; short biographies of over 1,200 artists; descriptions of artistic techniques and styles; definitions of artistic movements; and much more. An indispensable source of information for both artists and those interested in the arts in general. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Art Education for the Non-Artist
I am a writer, not an artist, and thoroughly appreciate "The Penguin Dictionary of Art And Artists" by Peter and Linda Murray.

Though a dictionary, I am using it as a primer. While I am aware of major movements, schools and the artists, and, of course, the most major of works, there is so much I missed that I am reading now. Getting deeper into Picasso, Dali and Van Gogh is a must, as is learning about Dada (I am glad that never stuck).

As I read other materials in my attempt to acquire and bone up in all the arts (music, literature and the visual arts), this is becoming a strong tool for cross-referencing periods in artistic development, especially from a Western hemisphere perspective.

Each entry is encyclopedic, not like a dictionary. There are no etymologies or pronunciation help, just definitions.

What pleases me most is that I understand what I am reading. Lacking the rich artistic vocabulary is no problem. Everything is explained intelligently, simply but not superficially.

I fully recommend "The Penguin Dictionary of Art And Artists" by Peter and Linda Murray.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Essential Reference for the Art History Student
Excellent reference for art history research, art criticism, or for deciphering someone else's writing about art.

Examples of entries: academy, encaustic wax, Lembruck, Suprematism.So there are techniques, movements, institutions, and individual artists... all explained concisely but with essential dates and details.

Saves lots of time when you need to refer to some movement or influencing artist but don't want to get caught up in an enormous amount of data.

Western art only.(You won't find Buddha, Sumi-e, etc).

Great resource
As an art education major this book came in handy.It is a great reference for anyone who wants to learn more about an artist as a person and as an artist.It gives short bios on many different artists from different periods through art history.It was well worth the money. ... Read more

Product Description
With more than 1,700entries, The Concise Dictionary of Art Terms is an accessible and comprehensive A-Z guide covering a wide range of terms from the visual art world, including periods, styles, materials, well-known schools, techniques, and much more. In this new edition, the text has been fully revised and updated to reflect the latest developments in the field, and has been expanded with more than 100 new entries, focusing primarily on modern and contemporary art materials and techniques. The Dictionary has been further enhanced with the addition of over 100 web links to selected entries, which are accessed and kept up to date via a companion website. These linksadd another dimension to the print book by allowing the reader to see illustrations of various materials and techniques, while providing easy access to important collections that are freely available online. From "abstract art" to "woodcuts," and "The Baroque Revival" to "ziggurats," this highly browsable dictionary is the ideal reference for students of art and all related subjects, for gallery visitors, and anyone else interested in the visual arts. ... Read more

Product Description
Ideal for students, picture researchers, and enthusiasts of all kinds, this third edition of The Oxford Dictionary of Art reaffirms the unrivalled position held by this authoritative one-volume guide to the art of the Western world. Covering Western art from the ancient world to the present day, the Dictionary provides a careful balance of fact and critical appraisal ranging across painting, sculpture, drawing, and the applied arts. Over 3000 entries provide the reader with information on a wide range of people and subjects, including artists, critics, collectors, dealers, patrons, museums, art schools, materials, and techniques. This third edition has been thoroughly revised and expanded, with over 200 new entries on contemporary artists, such as Damien Hirst, Julian Schnabel, Antony Gormley; new forms, such as video art; museums, patrons, and collectors. The Dictionary also includes an updated contextual chronology of major works, as well as a practical directory of museums and galleries around the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A MUST HAVE
This is a must have for any art history person or anyone in sales for art.It's a complete who's who and what's what of art.It has useful information and is a great resource.
I highly recommend this book.

Excellent guide to the field
Over the past few years, Oxford University Press has continued to develop its line of excellent reference works, revising older volumes and adding new subjects. The latest edition of "The Oxford Dictionary of Art" carries on that tradition.

The guide offers to the general reader an excellent grounding in the facts and philosophies that underlie the media. The entries cover artists, movements, museums (with addresses and websites), materials and, in the back, a chronology listing key works and when they were completed.

While it sometimes falls into the thicket of scholarly jibber-jabber -- and one should recognize the possibility exists while trying to describe visual art using only words, in a book which contains no pictures -- the dictionary is even-handed in describing the critical reaction to a work. With its wide range of descriptions, both geographically and chronologically, this revised guide allows armchair art appreciators to brush up on their learning.

Handy and useful articles onart terms and artist bios
This is a very handy and informative dictionary of terms you will likely encounter in reading about painting and sculpture.If you think of the definitions as short articles on a topic you will be closer to the mark.There are also many short biographies of important historical artists.One of the nice conventions is an asterisk before terms used in the articles that are also themselves the subject of articles.

There are no illustrations, plates, or diagrams in the book.However, there is a short foreword and an introduction.

All in all, this is quite a useful handbook and I use it with some frequency.
... Read more

Product Description
A companion volume to James Hall's perennial seller Dictionary of Subjects and Symbols in Art, which deals with the subject of Christian and Western art, the present volume includes the art of Egypt, the ancient Near East, Christian and classical Europe, India and the Far East. Hall explores the language of symbols in art, showing how paintings, drawings, and sculpture express many shades of meaning from simple, everyday hopes and fears to the profoundest philosophical and religious aspirations. The book explains and interprets symbols from many cultures, and over 600 illustrations clarify and complement the text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Don't bother
The illustrations in this book are a joke, the descriptions are pretty worthless.This book all together isn't worth it and I would recommend passing on this one.
It is completely lacking of any useful content.

How to Figure out the Symbols in a Work of Art
Not terribly in-depth guide book to symbols in art.Nicely if simply illustrated, and is organized into these categories: Abstract signs, animals, artefacts, Earth and sky, human body and dress, and plants.

Will be helpful to the art history student, but it would be more helpful if additional specific artworks were referred to in each entry.All in all, good to have.Anyone researching above the high school level will need plenty more references, but this is a helpful springboard to further research or is useful as a quick source of simple answers to quandries like, "what the heck is the meaning of the hands on that Buddha statue?" ... Read more

Product Description
The HarperCollins Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques, 2nd edition, contains over 3,200 clear definitions of terns encountered in thestudy and practice of the visual arts and in their literature. It covers all forms of easel and mural paintings, drawing, sculpture, the graphic arts, photography, ceramics, and mosaic. There are entries on schools, styles, and periods, but the chief emphasis of the book is on the materials and methods of the artist. Materials are defined in terms of compositions, source, use, and characteristic properties; processes and techniques are defined in terms of their practical application and results. Tools and equipment are concisely described and illustrated with copious line drawings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

What artists work with, clearly explained
There are plenty of dictionaries of artists around, in book form or on the web. Far fewer are the books to explain how fine and applied artists go about their business and define the techniques and materials artists use. This is essential knowledge for young people preparing to study art or art history, and I'd certainly recommend this book to them. But for everyone who loves paintings and other art objects, the extra technical knowledge this dictionary gives will add to the enjoyment and enlightenment gained from visiting a gallery or museum. It is an excellent introduction to a complex subject, by Ralph Mayer of Yale University School of Art, and first appeared in 1991. ... Read more

Product Description
Formerly the Dictionary of 20th Century Art, the text has been completely revised and updated for this major new edition. Over 300 entries have been added and it now contains entries on photography in modern art as well as the new media such as installation and Performance which are such a crucial element of the contemporary scene. With emphasis on recent art and artists, for example Ai Weiwei, Tracey Emin, and Damien Hirst, it has an exceptionally strong coverage of art from the 1960s onwards, which makes it ideal for contemporary art enthusiasts. Further reading is provided at entry level to assist those wishing to know more about a particular subject. In addition, this edition features recommended web links for many entries, which are accessed and kept up to date via the Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art companion website.

The perfect companion for the desk, studio, bedside table, or gallery visits, A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art is an essential A-Z reference work for art students, artists, and art lovers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The Essential Guide To The Italian Renaissance!
Back in my days as an Art History major, I realized early on that you really DID need to know about the history and the culture that gave birth to the art of the Italian Renaissance. Often, after a lecture, I would race home to try and find out more about a particular painter or family that supported an artist. This book gave me PLENTY of much need information. I got to know who the major players were, had artistic terms clarified, and got neat biographical information about everyone from Clement VI to Palladio. This delightful book also covered music, diplomacy, the role of the church, and literature. It also has hundreds of illustrations. Of special note was the section concerning the status of women. With over 750 entries, it is perfect for the student and the scholar. ... Read more

Product Description
This second edition of Sidney I. Landau's landmark work offers a comprehensive and completely up-to-date description of how dictionaries are researched and written, with particular attention to the ways in which computer technology has changed modern lexicography. Landau has an insider's practical knowledge of making dictionaries and every feature of the dictionary is examined and explained. Written in a readable style, free of jargon and unnecessary technical language, it will appeal to readers with no specialist knowledge of the field, as well as to professional lexicographers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Engaging, entertaining and of course informative
Second Editon review.

Highly unlikely to climb the best-sellers list, more's the pity, this is a most engaging, entertaining and of course informative read about how dictionaries are created.But it covers much more than that: within Sidney Landau has written a history of dictionaries, how dictionaries are used, considerations when creating a dictionary, considerations when printing a dictionary, how dictionaries are viewed in society [bigger is always better seems to be the unfortunate view] and much, much more.

While perhaps in regard to the technology a bit out of date [2001 -- technology has moved ahead in leaps and bounds; though Landau does cover how computers both help and hinder] -- perhaps a call to write a new edition please Sidney? -- the principles seem timeless.I knew a dictionary was a complicated endeavour, but until I read this I did not know just how complicated.And despite this, or perhaps because of their complexity, as well as Landau's enthusiasm and experience, I wish I could go and be part of a team working on one now.

I'd also add Sidney Landau's humour kept me amused througout; while of course meaning no disrepect to surgeons, and I am sure Landau thought the same, this quote, coming in a section dealing with style manuals and how to make them readable and suitable for different people, gives one example of a quote that had me laughing:
One must therefore prepare a simplified version of the style manual for contributors ... The same person who can separate and suture microscopic blood vessels of the eye with perfect assurance falls into a state of mental collapse when instructed in the proper use of parentheses.

Qualified Five Stars
This deserves a qualified five star rating. Qualified, in the sense that you need to have some interest in lexicography and history. Not a degree, mind you, but more than a distant interest. At times, it does get a little long-winded, but stay with it. Some interesting stories and good insight into a world that we often don't see, but we use its results quite frequently. Fairly easy to read, no more difficult than high school reading materials (probably easier than that). Give it a try, at least start and browse.

Fascinating and funny
An excellent introduction to the world of dictionaries. Well-informed and well-written. ... Read more

Product Description
This unique, exceptionally comprehensive dictionary of the culinary arts defines approximately 20,000 terms (including “foreign terms” from all the world's cuisines, not just European).The entries are drawn from such varied categories as: foods, international foods, prepared dishes, preparation and cooking methods, tools and equipment, food chemistry, beers, spirits, and wines, hospitality and restaurant management, nutrition, food safety and sanitation, chef biographies, food history, and gastronomy.Measurement and conversion charts, phonetic pronunciations, cross-references, and origins and usage designations will be useful to professional or amateur chefs—or anyone who simply enjoys food. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

It was perfect just as described
This book is fantastic for those students that need it for their college education in culinary arts. It was in perfect condition as seller described.

Webster's New World Dictionary of Culinary Arts (Trade Version) (2nd Edition)
Excellent service, prompt delivery, excellent condition
as described, packaged well.
Would use again.

Webster's Culinary Arts Dictionary
My only complaint would be that it should have been packaged better.It was only wrapped in brown paper and by the time it arrived the edges of the book were sticking out.It should have been put in a proper mailing envelope or at least reinforced the edges with tape.

Customer, Virginia Mickelson

My lil' dictionary and I
I'm a guy, ok? I got this insuppressible urge to become a Vegetarian and cook gourmet vegetarian cuisine. It could happen to anyone. But it happened to me. I have probably 15 veggie cookbooks and try to prepare at least three new recipes per week. I can't remember even once being stumped by some arcane ingredient or bizarre description with this life saving dictionary in hand! The phonetic pronunciation of most entries is very gratifying as well. What more is there to say? Except that I'm now thinner, smarter, faster, more virile, high blood pressure is gone and I'm crazier than when I was a carnivore! But that's off topic. Long live the revolution!

Well worth the money
If you need a quick reference guide to look up culinary terms, or techniques, this one is great for the money.The book is some what small, about 1" thick, and light paper is used, which makes this book VERY convenient unlike most references book that are overly burdensome.

I'm currently in culinary school and as a student, I use this book all the time; it has yet to dissapoint me!Quality work here.A must for any foodie ... Read more

Product Description

This unique exceptionally comprehensive dictionary contains over 25,000 entries covering food identification, preparation and cooking methods, nutrition, sanitation, tools and equipment, wine, beer and spirits, cigars, international foods, food chemistry, historical and cultural terms, hospitality terms and prepared dishes.

Authoritative yet concise entries

Accurate use of capitalization and accent marks

Simple, alphabetical listing for all entries, including abbreviations

Extensive cross-references

285 line drawings

Easy to read typeface and format

Phonetic pronunciation guides

Additionally, there are 14 appendices covering areas such as: metric conversions, measurement equivalents, commonly used international terms, sugar cooking temperatures, oversized wine bottles and more!

Product Description
What exactly is neoexpressionism? the difference between applique and appliqué? the part of a city known as the acropolis? or the painting technique called gouache? In this authoritative and concise dictionary, more than 2,000 entries embrace the vast vocabulary of painting and sculpture, architecture and photography, and the decorative, applied, and graphic arts. The hundreds of illustrations and diagrams play a vital role as information: art movements become immediately recognizable by a representative painting, and the defining features of each order of architecture are identifiable at a glance.

This revised edition features a substantial number of new entries, including today's influential artist groups and tendencies from Chicano art to gene art, and new terms connected with the use of computer technology in the art world, from digital image to pixel. 400 illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very useful
Extremely useful reference - to learn proper meaning of terms, and to realize that most of art critics are ignorant. ... Read more

Product Description

This the second English language edition of the classic text, A Dictionary of Theatre Anthropology subtly juxtaposes the visual demonstrations of the performers craft, from a wealth of Oriental and Occidental sources. Whereas most Western research is concerned with naturalism and psychological realism in acting, the Dictionary focuses on the performer's arduous and eclectic craft.
More than just a dictionary, however, this is a handbook for theatre practitioners and a guide for students and scholars of transcultural performance. It is a result of ten years research conducted by Eugenio Barba and the International School of Theatre Anthropology (ISTA) based in Denmark. The Dictionary:
*aims to expand our knowledge of the possibilities of the scenic body, and of the spectators response to the dynamics of performance
*includes practical sections on balance, opposition and montage, among other techniques
discusses issues including The Text and the Stage, The Dilated Body, andEnergetic Language
*provides over 600 illustrated examples of the performers craft, in black and white and color.

This new edition contains three new chapters - Exercises, Eurasian Theatre and Organic Theatre - and 20 new pictures.

Customer Reviews (2)

Fantastic reading for performing artists
This is a great book for actors, dancers, choreographers, directors, teachers and all kinds of performing artists. Its texts reveal a way of perceiving the art of performers in scenic situations considering the physical qualities and possibilities of their bodies, but also of not so obviously visible paradigms such as energy, presence, balance, dilation and so on. Its photographs and illustrations are clearly demonstrative of the topics approached. After studying this book, I can watch performers in action (and in still pictures as well) with a totally new point of view, being able to analyse the subtleties that make their presence/images effective in their communication, artistry and vitality. I am also able to activate the theatre anthropology concepts in my own practice, reaching for new boundaries of self-perception and expressivity.

Easy to understand
The book of Barba is an essential help for acting students, because it explains in easy ways difficult topics. ... Read more

Product Description
Bulfinch Press has commissioned a complete revision of its pocket dictionary to bring it up to the most current standards and to produce a reference volume in which approximately 40% of the material is new. Includes concise definitions for over 900 terms, drawings describing architectural elements, and a bibliography. 12 line drawings. ... Read more

Product Description
"Truly fun to read." (Library Journal)

The Penguin Concise Dictionary of Art History has more than 1500 entries on artists and architects from ancient times to the present, setting works, movements, and styles into their cultural contexts. With entries on leading artists, from Alberti to Ingres to Wyeth; on period techniques and terms, from Action Painting to Mezzotint to X-radiography; on significant artistic influences and events, from the Armory Show to Marxism, to the cleaning of the Sistine Chapel, this is the ideal reference for high school and college students, as well as anyone interested in art. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An engaging resource
This book is a well-written, easy to use reference and the author's style is clear, understandable language.Museum goers in particular will especially appreciate it.My husband and I enjoytraveling around the country and we visit musems wherever we are.The Penguin Concise Dictionary of Art History is a marvelous resource that travels with us and one to which we frequently refer.Not only does it give information about the artists, but the quotations that accompany the write-ups help bring the artists to life.The Dictionary also makes a great gift.We gave a copy to a recent graduate who will be teaching art in hgh school and she was thrilled.In addition, we have been led to seek out other books by the author, Nancy Frazier, and are very impressed with her work.

what a delightful read!
Nancy Frazier's Concise Dictionary of Art History is truly a boon to any art lover or student.The entries are informative and often leavened with great wit--not the dry academese that so often mars reference works.A fun book to curl up with on a rainy afternoon, whether you know anything--or everything--about art.Would make a great present.

Thin, outdated, and pretty much useless
As an artist for 30 years and a teacher for over 20, I can't figure out how anyone could actually find this book useful. First of all, this is an ART book with NO illustrations --- so you need to know something else before you read the entries. I must admit that I haven't read the whole book, but none of the dozen or so entries I saw gave useful information. For example, notes on Frank Stella, Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Robert Morris, Bruce Nauman, were mainly short descriptions of single works, or periods of work, from 25-40 years ago. The shallow entries seem to be quick, random, fact and quote gathering. The writer seems to have much more interest in what might be called traditional art as the entries seem longer --- for example the entry on Puvis deChavannes is longer than that for Rauschenberg. What this book is for is beyond me. This may not be the fault of the writer, but it is a fault of the whole concept. Can't be done in 730 pages.

Hello Nancy!
I worked as a research and editorial assistant with Ms. Frazier on thisbook, and I must say that Nancy is one of the most knowledgeable, well-readand experienced art historians today.Her abilities as an author as wellas her diverse interests are evidenced by her previous publications, bothof which aided her in the MONUMENTAL task of compiling this dictionary.Asa resource, this dictionary will serve well any student - however, it alsomakes for interesting and enlightening reading for any lover of art.On amore personal note, working with Nancy was a delightful experience that Ishall always treasure. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

Attributes of saints
Great book for anyone who visits galleries and wonders why St. Catherine is always depicted with a wheel... With Internet, these days one can Google "Attributes of saints," but this book is great to handle, smell, browse through, even read, from cover to cover. And it is a nice conversation piece on a coffee table.

Wonderful Book
This beautiful book contains a collection of biographies of saints together with Old Master's paintings.There are usually several paintings depicting each saint.
They include bullets of artistic information about most of the pictures.I do not recommend it for children
because of the sometimes grahic depictions of martyrdom.

What about that guy with the axe in his head?
Books with stories that you can leaf through, without reading linearly from cover to cover, are always fun, and for lovers of medieval art, Saints is one of the best. Lushly illustrated, and formatted somewhat like a travel guide, the mini-biographies summarize what is known about each saint. Representative art works are provided, accompanied bysidebars and annotations with arrows that point out key features. Saints in Art is a valuable resource for anyone wishing to decipher the symbology and iconography contained in the religious works, great and small.

everything i wanted
this book is awesome! it has info on over 100 saints commonly found in art. stuff like name, time and place of earthly life,what they did, patronage,special devotions, connections to other saints, when they became saints and their feast days are easily found on the sidebar. there is a little biography and thena collection of maybe three paintings and an explanation of who is in the painting and what they are doing as well as the meanings of the objects they are pictured with. for instance, if i ever see a painting of a woman with her hair down pictured with a container of oil or ointment i will know it is mary magdalene. a t-shaped cane is an emblem of St. Anthony Abbot, etc. super useful saint painting decoder.

Holy writ!
This title originally comes from the popular Dizionari dell'Arte series by Italian publishers Electa and we should be thankful that the Getty has taken on the task of translating these fabulous reference books into English.Saints in Art is an important source not only for the iconography and hagiography of the principal saints in art but on the great visual history of European painting (with an emphasis on Italian).Lavishly illustrated.I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good Art Reference Source
This book provides great pictures and detailed definitions of art terms, making it easy to connect art terms to artists and genres.

Comprehensive reference
This excellent reference of art terms is a must for readers and students of Western, Near East and Oriental art history.It covers most of the terminology used by artists and historians from the Middle Ages forward and includes some useful illustrations.Its only flaw appears to be the desire to cover terms used in 20th century art, where it is less comprehensive.In my opinion, if you're going to cover a period, do it well or don't do it at all.Better to spend the effort to make the book excel at something than be all things to all readers.Couple this volume with the Artspoke/Artspeak duo and you're well covered through undergrad and most of grad school.

Excellent Book
This is an excellent reference tool, and should be a required purchase in all undergraduate Art programs. ... Read more