Chinese Symbolism
This book is thorough in coverage of Chinese art symbolism. I would love it if color photographs had been in it.
A useful, but dated resource
While this is clearly a pioneer and classic work in its field, there are, today, newer works that surpass this volume, first published 67 years ago, without many updates throughout its many reprints, in its usefulness. For example, the author includes literary references as well as art references (in other words, linguistic references that one does not see in art), so it is sometimes difficult to know if a particular object has different meanings "literally" from "figuratively". Additionally, the index is way too cursory, so there have been times when it has been extremely difficult to re-find something that one knows one has seen or read in the volume. A third shortfall is the use of line drawings as opposed to real photographs. There is a reason why we have the saying, "A picture is worth 1,000 words". Nevertheless, Williams was a ground-breaker in this area and this volume belongs in the library of anyone with a serious interest in the subject.
Happy
Ordered the book and it arrived ahead of anticipated time. Very good condition. Great company.
it's required for class
It's a decent textbook. I disagree with the authors opinions on what is and is not art and the chapter on architecture is somewhat confusing, but it is required for class. Not bad.
Very Dry- But informative.
This book probably did what it was supposed to do. To bad I was not interested. I love the study of humanities, but not in a book. Everything is subject to ones views. And this book does give you information but lacks a certain depth. The pics aren't great either. Pick it up if you have to but beware.
