Greek and Roman Mosaics: Centurion Edition

If you're looking for a large and lavishly illustrated book on Greek and Roman mosaics you now have a choice between this sumptuous volume by Pappalardo and Ciardello and Katherine Dunbabin's Mosaics of the Greek and Roman World published by the Cambridge Press in 2001.The advantage of this work over Dunbabin's is that every photographic illustration is in colour, with numerous close-ups, and the quality of reproduction is of such vibrancy as to leave the eye dazzled. But Dunbabin has the edge in terms of breadth of coverage. Pappalardo and Ciardello focus chiefly on the mythological, figural and animal representations in the mosaics of the major sites of Italy, Sicily, Greece, Antioch, Tunisia and Constantinople. But they pay scant attention to the mosaics of the Iberian Peninsula, France, Germany and Britain where there was a bias towards complex geometric patterns. It would be fair to say, then, that this book is stronger on aesthetics than on content. Having said that, the aesthetic pleasure you will experience when opening it up is immense. I always handle books of this kind with the same degree of reverence I would give to a Ming vase.If you're particularly interested in the mosaics of Britain I would draw your attention to the 4 part, 5 volume set, Roman Mosaics of Britain by Stephen R. Cosh and Davis S. Neal, issued by Illuminata Publishers for The Society of Antiquaries - very pricey but a magnificent work of scholarship and of the art of book production.

Amazing

Excellent book! Very good selection, high quality color prints and good written articles! I can recomend this book to every one interested in this kind of art!

One of the best books I have ever bought, truly fantastic. The photography is superb. Beautifully produced and a deligth to own. Large format gives large images of the magnificent mosaics.

really expensive, but worth every penny. the illustrations are breath-taking. Wow.

Remarkably disappointing

Se potessi aggiungere una stella lo farei! Ottimo libro, la carta è di qualità le immagini sono meravigliose e molte presentano dei particolari ravvicinati, consiglio l'acquisto a tutti gli appassionati di mosaico o di storia dell'arte.

Thus is a great coffee table book. Almost every page has color photos of incredible mosaic floors or wall panels. Text explains the culture and life of those living in the period. As an architect I see small medallions or panels in today's homes tha are expensive. The ancient ones show how lavish they were covering entire floors and walls.

Very nice color and detailed pictures.

Cet ouvrage récent sur les mosaïques romaines et grecques est absolument magnifique. L'impression est de grande qualité. Le tout est bien écrit et clairement. J'y ai appris l'existence d'un autre type de mosaïque : l'opus sectile.Seul bémol : l'absence de coffret (no slipcase).

This is truly a beautiful book packed full of exquisite colour images which are crystal clear. For the art tragic its simply a must have. Beautifully presented and every page turn is delicious. its well set out and very informative. A wonderful reference book for anyone wanting to educate themselves on the art of mosaics, very helpful and informative but even as simply a coffee table book its a perfect addition to anyone's library.