American Art: History and Culture

by Wayne Craven

Here is the most thorough, well-researched, and beautifully illustrated study ever to examine American art from a cultural perspective. The author presents art and artists within the context of their times, including insights into the styles, trends, and political climate that defined each important era. He
* Painting
* Sculpture
* Decorative arts
* Folk Art
* Architecture
* Photography Highlighted by more than 750 magnificent illustrations (165 in full color), this reference surveys American art from its beginnings in the colonial period through contemporary works, and charts the growth of a distinctly American art culture.

Genres: Art, Art History, History, Nonfiction

688 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Ellis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read for: American Art

Craven is a typical old white guy art historian, only concerned with other old white guys. Women rarely mentioned and than almost always have their marital status included. Native Americans are idiots. Columbus was some sort of national hero. etc. etc. etc. The publisher tried to save money by printing some images in black and white which severely detracts from the appreciation of the work. A decent survey with decent critique and historical information if you can look beyone Craven's bias.

[Grace Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took this course online this semester which was very interesting and a little hard. I passed it with a 73% which is a C.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

The text here was good, offering interesting background information on artists and context for the pieces (especially furniture shown). BUT a lot of the pictures were black and white, which drove me crazy and the sections on furniture were still alienating (though that might say more about me than about the book).

[Tina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have reviewed a few American Art History books for teaching the subject to high school students. This is the best book I have found for that purpose. It is very comprehensive in touching upon different styles, movements and artists and understandable to the average high school reader.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

used as jumping off point for american art and architecture class. pretty thorough.

i'm so desperate i'm putting textbooks on my list but i enjoyed it and i'm not ashamed to say it.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource!!!