Mirror of the World
A New History of Art
Will be published approx. on 15. March 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
496 pages
978-0-500-28754-5 (ISBN)
Description
What is art and where did it begin?Why do we make it and why does it change? These are some of the many questions that Julian Bell considers in his highly acclaimed book, now available in paperback. Bell, himself a painter, takes a global perspective and uses uses a wide range of objects to set up juxtapositions that will challenge and enlighten the reader: dancing bronze figures from southern India, Romanesque sculptures, Baroque ceilings and jewel-like Persian manuscripts are discussed side by side as testaments to mankind's universal creative instinct. Highly original in its ideas yet brilliantly straightforward in its prose, this book will appeal to everyone who wants - or needs, for purposes of study, the whole picture of the history of art in one concise and authoritative volume.
Reviews / Votes
'A wonderful guide ... full of grace and energy' - Art & Auction 'Exuberant, astute, and splendidly illustrated history of world art. ... Bell draws fascinating parallels between artistic developments in Western and non-Western art ... will appeal to anyone - from the generalist to the scholar' - Publishers Weekly 'For understanding the story so far, and being entertained in the process, Bell has no match' - Blueprint 'Would work equally well as an overview for an intelligent reader, a textbook for a critically-minded class, or a bedside companion' - The Art Newspaper ''Thought-proving and cogent, and free of academic jargon' - The Times 'I found it highly readable and engaging and feel that it would be a refreshing addition to more sober texts' - Simon Lee, Chief A level examiner for History of ArtMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
105 Illustrations, black and white; 267 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 258 mm
Width: 188 mm
Weight
1610 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-500-28754-5 (9780500287545)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
Julian Bell
Mirror of the World: A New History of
Book
09/2007
Thames & Hudson Ltd
€50.89
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Person
Julian Bell is a well-known painter and author. His books include Bonnard and What is Painting?, both published by Thames & Hudson.