Description

The Atlas of World Art maps the cumulative traces of humankind's artistic activity and demonstrates the importance of physical and political geography for the history of the world's art. This stunning volume is the first to treat the art of the whole world from prehistory to present day and to show the importance of natural and social factors in shaping artistic activity.

The Atlas is divided into seven parts, each devoted to a specific time period: Art of the Hunter Gatherer (50,000-5,000 BCE); Art, Agriculture and Urbanization (5,000-500 BCE); Art, War and Empire (500 BCE-600 CE); Art, Religion and Empire (600-1500); Art, Exploitation and Display (1500-1800); Art, Industry and Science (1800-1900); Art, Competition and Identity (1900-2000). Each section opens with a helpful timeline for that period bringing together important dates from across various cultures. Within each section, the spreads are organized by four broad geographic regions: the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia and the Pacific.

With dramatic full-color maps, as well as commentaries and illustrations, the Atlas of World Art is an authoritative, comprehensive, and elegant volume.

Reviews

"This is an exciting book in many ways, not the least in that the simple, elegant, and clear presentation of the visual and textual material makes one want to know more about every subject covered." -- College & Research Libraries News

"This innovative reference covers the history of world art geographically, by time periods. In each period, it correlates developments around the globe, from the Americas to Asia and the Pacific. The atlas is not only a magnificent and useful reference book, but its commentaries and superb maps also can, and should, be read for pleasure."--Philadelphia Inquirer

"The broad scope of coverage and the clear attempt to avoid Eurocentrism result in a general overview of art currents by geographical region or country....Groundbreaking and handsomely produced, this is a welcome addition to any reference collection."--Library Journal

"This unique reference traces art history from antiquity to the end of the 20th Century....The first geographical reference to treat the art of the whole world from prehistory to the present, this book will be an invaluable resource."--Museum Store Magazine

"All-inclusive, meticulously detailed, lavishly illustrated---all makes for this to be one of the most comprehensive overviews of world art yet to be produced....A must for libraries, learning institutions, arts organizations."--Art Times

Product Details

352 pages; 13 b/w & 579 color illus.; 9-3/4 x 13-3/8; ISBN13: 978-0-19-521583-0ISBN10: 0-19-521583-4

About the Author(s)