Art =: Discovering Infinite Connections in Art History

The book is comprehensive in its scope and content. The curatorial concept and organisation of the artworks is certainly as stated in the blurb “unconventional” I’ll reserve judgement on whether this will lead to making connections and insights, until I have explored further. Although picture captions in the essays section e.g p045 Fig. 3. without any text description seem ridiculously obtuse. What is completely bizarre is the books design. When opened the book is the size of a large art book PLUS half that width again, making it impossible to hold. This is to accommodate a very small, poorly realised, and utterly underwhelming timeline with 2 pages on the front and 3 on the reverse. The adhesive on this detached within 10 secs of opening. The print quality of the reproduced artworks is lacklustre and lacks vibrancy. I can’t believe the publishers were happy with the quality of the book when delivered from the Chinese printers, but the already considerable delay in publication, and the huge investment of time and money must have overridden quality control considerations. Disappointing!

This book is just too cumbersome to handle and its layout confusing. It's not enjoyable at all.

Un libro appassionante, ammiccante, esaustivo per farsi un'idea ma anche fonte di spunti per approfondimenti ulteriori. L’eclettismo nell’arte è un dono. Questo libro ci fa apprezzare quello che noi riteniamo bello dai primordi alla contemporaneità, e ci ricorda che molto spesso quello che noi riteniamo bello è stato selezionato nei millenni e tramandato. Il MET ci porta per mano lungo questo percorso. Ci sorprende con questo avvicinare l’arte della Polinesia ai sumeri al cubismo etc etc. Per i neofiti è stupore per i conoscitori idem. Un esempio per tutti - oggetti/soggetti: fiori. Da Degas a Tutankhanun,da Tiffany aGeirgia O’Keefe,dal pannello di Ogata Kõri a Van Gogh e così via. È da consigliare ai giovani un mirabolante turbinio dalla preistoria ad oggi di ARTE. Una conferma per gli estimatori del MET e di chi ne cura i bollettini e le esposizioni. Ottima la qualità di stampa, immagini molto curate, fotografie eccellenti. Davvero un bel volume, da sfogliare e ri-sfogliare nel tempo. Ne sono entusiasta e lo consiglio, anche come idea regalo. 5 stelle. Spero la mia esperienza possa esservi d'aiuto nel valutare i vostri acquisti, grazie e alla prossima.

Fantástico libro que resume bastante bien los fondos del MET y aborda el arte de diversas formas. Imprescindible para los amantes de los museos.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art bridges the old and the not so old through inclusion of art through the ages and cultures. Cultures are defined by the art of each with the Metropolitan working hard to represent everyone. The result is this magnificent museum collection so easily perused via this amazing assemblage of one giant book, accessible to everyone with strength and a desk or table. YES, this is one big book weighing in at 7 pounds. Included is a table of contents designed separate from the book as we can see the art historical timeline lightweight! What a majestic publication this book is! Perfect for everyone! If you love the Metropolitan, you will love this book.

Saw this at the museum gift shop for $90. Amazon came in under $50. Excellent visual History. Great info. Perfect for an art enthusiast. I will add it to my classroom.

This is a lush and beautiful book. It is bound well, nice heavy paper and the printing of script and images is amazing. A wonderful purchase!