Art That Changed the World

Two-page spreads in comics and mangas are somewhat problematic in Kindle. One reviewer suggested the formatting should be like the DK editions. Out of curiosity I got some volumes and I have to agree: the work is visually marvelous and flawless to read on Kindle, save a few days in which a mischievous update broke the format.The book is perfect. Modern books most of the time have low quality due to deviating of the topic to insert ideology; not here. The writing is objective and let you think and decide for yourself; it doesn't judge the past but teaches about it. This book is a spatial ship to travel to a planet inhabited by painters. Faint echoes of wars, inventions, even technical details of paint manufacture are there enough to get some context, but the focus is glorious art from all the Western world. This is not to say that there is not Western art, there is and it is glorious when it is seen, showing its importance in the way it influenced Western artists that translated it to their pictorial language. The authors didn't fall into the trap of trying to add other art that by being outside the Western mindset hasn't the same goals, as good and perfect as it can be; I say this as somebody that isn't Westerner. In the few pages of this volume brevity isn't superficial, what would turn the book into a mere catalogue, but expresses quite a wealth of information. I really don't understand abstract art but in the way the selected abstract paints were explained I understood, I still don't like them much but now I am happy to know how to appreciate those works without having that feeling of "the emperor has no clothes." I discovered new extraordinary painters, and I know have a better understanding, and even more appreciation, for the painters I already knew and treasured.If you share my preferences of books not deviating from the topic by supposed modern trends you certainly will enjoy and grow with this book, even the glossary is enjoyable!

A great and thorough introduction to the world of painted art. Colors are "true" and images are well defined. Written text provides interesting and clarifying info, though it can be hard to read (in Kindle) due to small size and some unevenness in the "black print". Book contains a detailed index of artists, making it easy to locate your favorite. I especially like the ability Kindle provides to resize and refocus its pics.

What an awesome book! It walks you through the time periods of art with great information and pictures.

The book covers crucial art movement with representative art works, which was attached with social changes. It is a great book.

There are too brief explanation in text to understand cause and effect of those art works emerged as noteworthy and important in our history.

This book is amazing. I love the way it is put together with descriptions, photos and timeline for the art. The book is used and in excellent shape. I was surprised because it was listed as good condition but it looks new! Very impressed

Great book for sharing with big and little learners the basics of art movements from beginning to the 2000’s. Loved using it with my art club with 5-12 year olds. They loved the pictures and it gave me simple language to share big concepts with. Loved it!

This large coffee table Art book is lovely! The pictures are colorful and clear and the book is loaded with the bright images. I especially appreciate that DK print is actually legible for someone without 20/20 vision, unlike so many other large and informative books that require an entire page magnifier to read and learn about subject matter.