A Beginner's Guide to the Humanities

by Philip E. Bishop

A “must-have” guide for anyone interested in deepening their cultural experiences, this easy-to-carry handbook gives users practical advice on observing, enjoying, thinking about and feeling in response to the arts so that they can get the most out of their next visit to the theater, gallery, or museum. Self-contained chapters provide an essential companion guide to understanding a specific art—painting, sculpture, architecture, music, theater, opera and musical theater, dance, prints, photos and digital art, and movies—with concisely defined key terms one should know relating to that particular art, as well as a clear and insightful explanation of its process of creation. Presents a commentary in each chapter defining the art in some social, historical, or psychological context, and shares authors' recollections and reflections of his own encounters with works of art in the particular medium under discussion. Offers easy-to-follow instructions for understanding and encountering a specific art form for the first time, and provides a handy page of reference for each art form that users can photocopy and take with them on their next cultural outing. For all readers who appreciate and want to become more knowledgeable about the arts in general.

143 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2002

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is of the 3rd edition. This is a tiny book (small in size, 156 pages). There are nine short chapters (intro., painting, sculpture, architecture, music, theater, opera and musical theater, dance, and film), each with a brief intro. followed by several pages of defined terms, organized into mini-glossaries. There are a few photos (all black and white) and several helpful illustrations. As far as text goes, it is truly "bare bones." It's a good choice for instructors who like to supplement textbook material with their own examples and other lecture material. Indeed, fleshing out is required. It is reasonably priced (an important consideration, given that some students pay for all their own textbooks, while others do not), but it could use some updating. For example: Students took issue with the author's statement that: rock and roll is "the dominant form of pop music today," which led to a rather lenthy discussion, with not one student expressing support of the author's statement.

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very quick guide that teaches you the fundamentals of "seeing." Going through this guide, I have learned how to appreciate art and what to look for when observing everything from paintings to buildings. It's not going to make you an expert on all things humanities, but it's an adequate start that will help you learn to appreciate the beauty in everything.