Customer Reviews:
 Amazing February 9, 2007
4 out of 10 found this review helpful
I bought the book 1 week ago.Started reading it today and I have to say it an AMAZING book. I have never been into art but just by reading the 3 pages of the Introduction I am looking forward to learning about the history of "A"rt itself. Really Really well written.
 'A' Story of Art April 26, 2004
27 out of 97 found this review helpful
Although this book offers a good guideline when studying A-level oruniversity Art History it leaves a lot to be desired as 'The Story ofArt', as Gombrich omits any mention of female artists, and mainly focuseson Western art - it would more accurately (but less snappily) be called 'AStory of Western Art from a Certain Perspective!'
Take it for what itis - a guideline - and it is a great help!
 The Story of (some) Art October 3, 2003
25 out of 92 found this review helpful
I can echo all of the previous comments, it is a wonderful text, but for one important aspect. Far from surveying 'humankind' as one reviewer suggests, Gombrich manages to write about the history of art, but only male artists. There are no female artists in the book. If you can include 'cave painting' you can include something of the massive contribution to the visual arts made by females. Arguably, you should also consider what criteria are used to define what does and does not get into the cannon and consider the role patriarchy has played in this.
The Story of Art November 3, 2002
55 out of 59 found this review helpful
I first read this definitive introduction to art history when studying for my A Levels and again when at Artschool. Since then I have always recommended this excellent book to anyone who wants an easy-to-understand explanation of Art and its origins. The latest reprint has updates that add value to the earlier editions.
An excellent grounding September 6, 2002
50 out of 51 found this review helpful
I'll have to echo some of the opinions of the previous reviewers. This is an excellent introduction to the history of art. While other books usually begin with Giotto, Ernst Gombrich ensures that everything from prehistoric cave paintings to the International Gothic style of the fourteenth century is included in this surprisingly easy to read book.
However, for anyone wishing to obtain a total grounding in art history, this book should be supplemented with other works, particularly on twentieth century art (especially post-1945) and photography.
|
