Be smart about art. The Annotated Mona Lisa takes art history out of the realm of dreary textbooks to a world of dynamic design, succinct page-leng...
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Aug 28, 2009
Amber
rated it: 
In my high-school art history class, we read Janson, Schneider-Adams and this. It is really great for someone who doesn't want to go through the trouble of studying art but still wants to understand it or talk about it. It is also really good for people like me who have a degree in he subject but have not actively studied since receiving said degree.
Jul 19, 2011
Krystal
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Great for a quick overview of Art History that can lead to a ridiculous amount of research topics of interest for anyone interested in art. It does not go into extensive detail about any of the artists or movements, but provides a great base for anyone interested in learning more about art history in general. Quick, easy read.
Feb 19, 2009
Melissa
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I've got all kinds of notes written in the margins. It was a great companion for an Art History Course I took my first year in college. I still like browsing through it and reading about different styles and artists.
Dec 13, 2010
Barbara
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This is a quick overview of art history. I read it because it's used by art teachers in GA schools but there's a lot to remember if you want to teach the content.
Dec 01, 2008
Kelsey
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This is the best book by far to have. Just put it in your collection. Good for a quick reference guide and lots of detail.
Jul 21, 2009
Sheala
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I used this book to review for a state Art Education exam. When taking the exam, I was amazed at how many questions I found answered in this book. It has a great overview of history, media and artists. The only lack I found, and it's typical of so many art history review books, was a lack of worldwide art cultures. There was a quick review of some native cultures, but not a full overview of the multicultural subjects useful in today's classrooms.
Still, this book provides a great review or More...
Still, this book provides a great review or More...
Jun 17, 2010
Patty
rated it:
This is a great overview of art and artists. I use it as a reference when I need a bit of knowledge or as a quick refresher. Not a book to read from beginning to end but a book to read in pieces. And a book to keep.
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Jun 11, 2008
Julie
rated it:
This is my absolute favorite art history book/textbook - the first time I read it was in 1999, in my AP Art History class and have read through it every year since! I learned all the basics from this book and, since I loved it, that led me to major in Art History in college. Can't rave about it enough! I think there is a newer edition now as well.
Oct 15, 2008
Dacie
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I read this during my Art in the Classroom college course. It was very useful and extremely interesting. Not at all boring like other required readings. It familiarizes the reader with the elements of art along with the history of it. I honestly did not want to put it down! I highly recommend it!
Dec 16, 2009
theri
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I read this during AP Art History and not only was it quite useful but it was extremely interesting. I found it problematic that there is short shrift given to art that isn't European and it gives primacy to painting, BUT it is cool for an overview. You just have be able to critical.
Feb 20, 2008
Ellis
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again, SUPER basic but good for an intro. Basically one page per movement (except Impressionism, why is everyone so damn obsessed with impressionism?). It tries to cover art from the Venus of Willendorf through Earthworks in little snipits of info.
May 27, 2008
Joanna
rated it:
This excellent little art history textbook is exactly what the title claims it to be. It's a great, easy-to-read, well-illustrated summary of art history without all of the ponderous detail found in heavier art history tomes.
Jul 21, 2011
Heather
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Wow, I'm finally done with this book! I haven't taken the test yet though, so I can't say for sure how it's going to help me on the actual test, but I think it has been a very invaluable resource in studying for the test.
Jan 05, 2011
Patty
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This was a bit of a nostalgia trip for me since many of the same images were used as slides in my Art History class back in college. The background of many of the artists are included and fascinating. Worth checking out!
Apr 19, 2008
Staci
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Wow! If you ever wanted a crash-course in Western art history, this is the book for you! I used this book to study for my art education certification exam. This book is highly recommended by me!!!
Apr 19, 2008
Karin
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Spans art from prehistory to the 1980s and touches the tip of "what you should know" without being too chopped up. Interesting and useful for the nonspecialist.
Aug 05, 2008
Michelle
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This is an excellent crash course in Art history. It's not boring like most art history books and it's short with great pictures.
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