Grasping the World

by Donald Preziosi (Editor), Claire Farago (Editor)

First published in 2004, this volume recognises that there is much more to museums than the documenting, monumentalizing, or theme-parking of identity, history and heritage. This landmark anthology aims to make strange the very existence of museums and to plot a critical, historical and ethical understanding of their origins and history. A radical selection of key texts introduces the reader to the intense investigation of the modern European idea of the museum that has taken place over the last fifty years. Texts first published in journals and books are brought together in one volume with up-to-the-minute and specially commissioned pieces by leading administrators, curators and art historians. The selections are organized by key themes that map the evolution of the debate and introduced by Donald Preziosi and Claire Farago, two considerable critics, who write with the edge and enthusiasm of art historians who have spent their lives working with museums. Grasping the World is an invaluable resource for students and teachers of art history and museum studies.

Genres: Museology

804 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2004

Reviews

[Casey Vaughan]

Puts museums in perspective. Wide variety of essays and topics provide fascinating perspectives on what museums are and what they could be. Relevant to any one who has ever enjoyed a trip to the museum.

[Mariam]

Interesting essays in museum studies, art history and politic of displaying art