Art History

by Marilyn Stokstad

Brand new book still in its plastic, looking for a home!

Genres: Art, Art History, History, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Reference, School

1280 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1995

Reviews

[Evan Leach · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I have always been interested in the history of art, I really didn’t know much about the subject. In order to rectify that fact, a few years ago I went in search of a good introductory book. After some research, I ended up picking up a copy of Marilyn Stokstad’s two-volume set, and I have been picking my way through it ever since, finally polishing volume two off earlier this week.



Art History is designed as textbook for art history courses, and it can read like a textbook at times (albeit an engaging one). However, it has plenty to offer the general reader. The book is extremely comprehensive, covering artwork from prehistoric cave paintings through the modern and post-modern era. While plenty of space is devoted to Western artwork, Stokstad also spends time discussing artwork from all over the world. While the emphasis is on painting and sculpture, a significant amount of time is spent on architectural development as well. The book is chock-full of high quality, color photographs of the artwork under discussion, which was an important factor for me. While the writing is simple and direct (again, think textbook), Stokstad writes clearly and does a good job of explaining the importance of artistic movements and concepts for the layman.



With a scope this large, Art History is forced to march pretty quickly through some major artists and time periods that I would have liked to see covered in greater depth. But as an introductory volume this was very effective and informative, and if it left me wanting to know more about specific artists and their careers, then perhaps it did its job. 4.0 stars, recommended!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's huge, very heavy. Had to read the whole book (except architecture) for a 1 year docent class. Great resource -- but too big to carry to a class!!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best textbooks I have read so far

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was for class... I truly don't read 1200 page art history survey textbooks for fun.

[Tlaloc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delves deep into the history of art and covers, to varying degrees, all continents and most historical periods. With hundreds of pictures, including paintings, architecture and landscapes.

As much as I enjoyed it, the newer edition goes for ~$130 on Amazon.com, which I find ridiculous. I got mine second hand.

[Deirdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Primary Textbook

[Moderated · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Leonardo’s fame as an artist is based on only a few works, for many other interests took him away from painting. Unlike his humanist contemporaries, he was not particularly interested in Classical literature or archaeology. Instead, his passions were mathematics, engineering, and the natural world. He compiled volumes of detailed drawings and notes on anatomy, botany, geology, meteorology, architectural design, and mechanics. In his drawings of human figures, he sought not only the precise details of anatomy but also the geometric basis of perfect proportions. Leonardo’s searching mind is evident in his drawings not only of natural objects and human beings, but also of machines, so clearly and completely worked out that modern engineers have used them to construct working models. He designed flying machines, a kind of automobile, a parachute, and all sorts of military equipment, including a mobile fortress. His imagination outran his means to bring his creations into being. For one thing, he lacked a source of power other than men and horses. For another, he may have lacked focus and follow-through. His contemporaries complained that he never finished anything and that his inventions distracted him from his painting."

"The seventeenthcentury French critic Roger de Piles (1635–1709) described this exchange when he wrote: “True painting … calls to us; and has so powerful an effect, that we cannot help coming near it, as if it had something to tell us."

"Throughout her life, Gentileschi painted many such images of heroic biblical women, which art historians have interpreted in relation to her own struggle to claim her rightful place in an art world dominated by men."

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book above in a combined version of volumes one and two. I actually have this (third) edition, but it is in paperback and is in 2 separate volumes, of which I have both.

I have thoroughly read almost all of Volume One (and skimmed the few pages not read) for my Art History Class. I loved it. I am planning on rereading it and then go onto volume 2. It is filled with great photographs, illustrations, maps, history of the cultural periods in connection with the items, and especially their impact on countries throughout the world.

There is a lot of terminology, which is explained, as this is a textbook, but that might be off putting to some.

[I am marking it read in 2009 temporarily and will at some point go back and create an entry for volume I and one for volume II to be more accurate, as I haven't actually read volume II, only I.]

[roxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took an art history class over summer and this was the text book. I was able to understand what they were saying, as well as it’s in chronological order of history making it easy to follow the progression. I have not read other books so it’s hard to judge it off others. I am glad I read this book. Seems to be super knowledgeable and so many interesting facts I did not know. I even tested some people I know to see if they knew things. lol. I definitely feel like I grasped a better understanding for art history and how it has evolved over time. Now when I go places and see art or architecture I am trying to analyze it. I also was not bored, but that could be because I am interested in it. If you’re just reading it for a class you have no interest in then potentially you might be bored. I would definitely suggest a read if you are interested in learning the history of art.

[Ty Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

While its massive page count and commitment towards covering all facets of art history might appear daunting at first, those who proceed regardless will find themselves a textbook dedicated entirely to the dissection of how art has influenced humanity around the world, the processes used by artists to create their pieces, and the potential developments of art in our digitized age. This textbook is, simply put, worth its weight in knowledge.

[Ceylon Rustic Guide · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great book

[Losabin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this kind of books. I hope many people read this book instead of playing computer games for exemple.

[Ley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book even though i read only a few parts that i love😅😅 but yes!! 4 stars!! ❤️

[mike f. · Rating 3 out of 5]

slay but like this class was so boring

[Lempi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for my art history class, and it is truly the best and most comprehensive textbook in the field. It is entertaining and has art from all over the world! I love it.

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son's textbook turns out to be a pleasure to me! This is Volume Two of a two volume set on art history. It covers the period from early Renaissance art in Europe to the post-1945 international avant-garde. In between is art from Europe and other parts of the world, including India, China, Japan, the Americas, the Pacific cultures, and Africa. The Introduction places the time frame in this book in context.

The book begins with such architectural gems as the Church of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, van Eyck's art, tapestry, frescoes, the Dome of the Florence Cathedral, Donatello's sculpture, and so on. Fast forward to the avant-garde. Anselm Kiefer's painting, "Heath of the Brandenberg March," is very telling to me.

All in all, a nice tour of art in all its forms and in different regions of the world from the Renaissance to the present. . . .

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read an Art History book read this one. Actually I have not only this book but she also broke it down into smaller sections which I used for my Asian Art class and really are more convenient. This book is huge and not one that you would carry around with you everywhere. That said though it is very well written and the vast amount of information given on a huge breadth of subjects is very impressive. The images are great quality and again amazing in their number. Not a dry read at all and one that makes cultures and their art come alive.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, this five lb. book was what I lugged around for four years. My lovely survey book. I would be lost without it. Filled with post-it notes and highlighter marks.
Stokstad's Art History survey is amazing. If you are looking for a great coffee table book with lots of amazing info inside this is the book for you.
This edition is not the one I had, mine was from 1999 but I think that one is out of print now...

[Megs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my textbook for AP Art History in high school and it remains my go-to reference for anything art related other than the most modern pieces (I have the 1996 version so it obviously doesn't cover present day). At 16 years old the binding is broken, the pages are torn, and there are hundreds of post-its marking favorite pages. If you are looking for an in-depth beginners reference, this is still a wonderful book to pick up today.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to read this for class. Went in chronological order, so it's of easy to follow. The earlier chapters were great. Loved to see where art came from, but the later chapters were all about religious artworks then anything else. Not a religious person at all, so reading about that type of artwork really bothered me, but if that's what type of art you like, then you will love the book.

[enitsirK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know why anyone would rate it a 2 or a 3. It's definitely a 5. :) Then again, we all have different tastes. This book is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the Arts and for those who simply want to expand their horizon.

[Greg Tatum]

My art history survey class book. Excellent.

[Alcibiades · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally done! But then I understood there should be better Art books... lol

[Cheryl K · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Art History books. A beautifully illustrated introduction of Art History throughout the ages.

[Mills College Library]

709 S8749a 2011

[Arthistorynewsandviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love this book!
it is currently my textbook in my art history class and it is chock full of information about anything you need to know about art!
this is a must read for ANY art historian!

[Elizabeth Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

art history II maybe

[James Tomasino · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's only so much love you can show a book on Art History. She managed to keep it from getting completely dry, but by the end I was still struggling.

[Melina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive and essential guide to the history of art.

[Loni · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent resource. Current and full of wonderful pictures and examples.