Art History Textbooks ReviewsArt History Textbooks Reviews

Excellent review of Art & Architecture in Islam - a bit academic but thorough
Goes through the history of Islamic Art & Architecture by dynasty & region. Editors did a good job as the contributions fit together well - but I'm not an expert!. Contains some good pictures as well. I've bought three copies now from various sources - for my mum and sisters as well. (Warning: don't try and browse the book when kids are pestering you).

Pictures don't use the size of the book
I can't add much more than has been said by the other reviewers here - this is a fascinating study of the art and architecture of Islam at a great price.

My one reservation, however, is the general size of the pictures. Unlike the other books in this series which I have (Gothic, Romanesque, Egypt, Baroque) there are far fewer full page bleeds - it is much more scrappy and bitty in its presentation of the images. It is more like a giant guide book.

Considering most people will be interested in this for the images (it is, after all, an art book), you are left wondering why the book is so big when most of the images don't make use of it.

put this in your library? this is your library!
Size does matter-this book is huge particularly if you consider the giveaway price(the paper costs more).Ok so it's big and it has pictures-nice ones!It's also comprehensive,diverse and well written,this book is the best there is for an amazing tour of islamic art and architecture.

Islam: Art & Architecture
Excellent book. Beautifully written, great photography...and a wonderful tour of the world of Islam. As always, Konemann has provided readers with many, many hours of pleasure.

Incredible
Quick delivery and in the condition that was promised. Very satisfied. The book focuses on Western Baroque painting with some architecture and sculpture history. A great book, with lots of beautiful images.

Seventeeth-Century Art & Architecture
The book looked alright it did not have any folded edges just the front cover had a crease in it. It arrived faster than I thought it would come. All in all not bad. The book looked good even with the crease.

Falling Apart
I have read this book, not for enjoyment, but for a course in Baroque art. Therefore I cannot say it was enjoyable. It is a good book if you are looking to see many works. The pictures are fairly good, although I HATE a book that depicts color art work in black & white photography. About 2/3 of the photos are in black and white. Also, this edition is FALLING APART & I don't think it was used, or at least not used much by whoever owned it previously. The pages are coming apart from the back of the book.

great text, lousy pictures
I am currently enrolled in a Baroque and Rococo art history class at my university. I was told to get this book, and I excitedly did. After reading it for a bit, I noticed a few aspects that bothered me. The text is informative and explores the artworks wonderfully. Unfortunately, in the description, the authors describe the colors of the piece and how critical they are in the piece, which would be wonderful, except for the fact that half of the images in the text are in black and white! I would have to wait until class or find the images online in order to see what they were talking about.

So, if you are looking to buy this book, just be aware that the writing and historical knowledge are wonderful, but the images are dull and mainly colorless.

Positive opinion. Good quality and fast transportation.
The book is as the description and is pretty good. the tranportation is fast. Thanks.

A solid introduction
I am an architectural historian with a fairly extensive knowledge of Buddhist architecture. Even though this is an introductory text, Fisher's book explained some things I've failed to find anywhere else. Another plus is that Fisher includes Buddhist art/architecture from every Buddhist country. Usually books of this type leave out countries for expediency. Though this book is short, Fisher touches it all.

A well organized introductory text
Fisher's book offers an accessible, well-organized overview of both the evolution and meaning of Budhist art and architecture for the uninitiated. Never having studied Buddhism or Asian History prior to a recent trip to Southeast Asia, I found the balance between general explanations of subject matter and geographic breakdown useful. Returning to the book upon return, it was clear that most of the major, recurring symbols observed (Budha's subduing of the Mara, other meditative and teaching postures, the sometimes uneasy juxtaposition of Hindu and Budhist structure and symbols, etc.) were mentioned in this survey.The narrative is clear, if occasionally dry. The photographs are not, however, ideally located to match their corresponding texts, and it would have been helpful to have included in the captions a note about where the given object was located (rather than having to wade through a paragraph at the back of the book that does not even list the citations numerically). Still, the book is well indexed and the illustrations are well chosen.

A quick but thoughtful history of Buddhist Art in Asia
As an instructor in Asian Arts and cultures survey courses, I am always looking for short works that give a quick overview of essential cultural elements across the wide spectrum of Asian experience. This book is excellent as a source book for understanding the breadth and beauty of Buddhist art forms throughout Asia.