Quick Take

The market-leading text for the art history survey course, GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES has served as a comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted guide to the defining phases of the world's artistic tradition. With this book in hand, thousands of students have watched the story of art unfold in its full historical, social, religious, economic, and cultural context, and thus deepened their understanding of art, architecture, painting, and sculpture. By virtue of its comprehensive coverage, strong emphasis on context, and rich, accurate art reproductions, GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES has earned and sustained a reputation of excellence and authority. So much so, that in 2001, the Text and Academic Authors Association awarded both the McGuffey and the "Texty" Book Prizes to the Eleventh Edition of the text. It is the first art history book to win either award and the only title ever to win both prizes in one year. The Twelfth Edition maintains and exceeds the richness of the Gardner legacy with updated research and scholarship and an even more beautiful art program featuring more color images than any other art history book available. The Twelfth Edition features such enhancements as more color photographs, a stunning new design, and the most current research and scholarship. What's more, the expanded ancillary package that accompanies GARDNER'S ART THROUGH THE AGES, features a wealth of tools to enhance your students' experience in the course. With each new copy of the book, students receive a copy of the ArtStudy 2.0 CD-ROM--an interactive electronic study aid that fully integrates with the Twelfth Edition and includes hundreds of high-quality digital images, plus maps, quizzes, and more.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Art Through the Ages

Introduction

Art Through the Ages, written by Fred S. Kleiner, has been a cornerstone of art history education for decades. With its comprehensive coverage, strong emphasis on context, and rich art reproductions, this book has earned a reputation of excellence and authority. In this article, we will explore the views of readers on this renowned textbook, delve into the reasons why it is recommended, and examine the reasons why some readers do not recommend it.

About Fred S. Kleiner

Fred S. Kleiner is a distinguished professor of art history at New York University. He has authored numerous books and articles on art history, including the highly regarded "Gardner's Art Through the Ages." Kleiner's expertise and passion for the subject matter shine through in his writing, making him an esteemed figure in the field.

Analysis of Views

Comprehensive Coverage: Readers praise the book for its thorough and well-rounded approach to art history. It covers a wide range of topics, from prehistoric times to contemporary art, providing a comprehensive understanding of the development of art over time.
Strong Emphasis on Context: One of the standout features of Art Through the Ages is its emphasis on placing art within its historical, social, religious, economic, and cultural context. This approach helps readers gain a deeper appreciation for the artworks and their significance.
Rich Art Reproductions: The book is known for its high-quality art reproductions, which allow readers to closely examine and appreciate the works discussed. The inclusion of color images adds an extra dimension to the visual experience, making it more engaging and accessible.
Easy to Read: Many readers find the book easy to read and understand, even for those without a background in art history. The writing style is clear and concise, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences.
Wealth of Information: Art Through the Ages is a treasure trove of information for art enthusiasts and students alike. It provides a wealth of knowledge about art movements, artists, and their works, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in exploring art history.

Reasons for Recommendation

Comprehensive Overview: The book offers a comprehensive overview of art history, covering a vast range of topics and providing readers with a broad understanding of the subject matter. This comprehensive coverage makes it an excellent resource for students and enthusiasts alike.
Strong Emphasis on Context: The book's emphasis on placing art within its historical context is highly appreciated by readers. By understanding the social, religious, economic, and cultural factors that influenced the development of art, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the works and their significance.
Rich Art Reproductions: The inclusion of high-quality art reproductions makes it easier for readers to appreciate and study the works discussed in the book. The color images add depth and vibrancy to the visual experience, enhancing the overall learning experience.
Accessible Writing Style: The book's clear and concise writing style makes it accessible to readers with varying levels of knowledge about art history. Even those without a background in the subject can find it easy to read and understand.
Wealth of Information: Art Through the Ages is a treasure trove of information about art movements, artists, and their works. It provides readers with a wealth of knowledge that can deepen their understanding of art history and inspire further exploration.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Eurocentric Focus: Some readers have expressed concern that Art Through the Ages has a eurocentric focus, with a strong emphasis on Western art and European artists. This may be seen as limiting for those interested in exploring art from other regions and cultures around the world.
Limited Coverage of Non-Western Art: While the book does cover non-Western art to some extent, some readers feel that it does not go far enough in addressing art from other regions and cultures. This may be seen as a drawback for those seeking a more inclusive exploration of global art history.

Conclusion

Art Through the Ages by Fred S. Kleiner is a highly regarded textbook that has earned its reputation as an authoritative guide to art history. With its comprehensive coverage, strong emphasis on context, rich art reproductions, and accessible writing style, it has captured the hearts and minds of readers around the world. While some readers have expressed concerns about its eurocentric focus and limited coverage of non-Western art, overall, Art Through the Ages remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of art history and explore the rich tapestry of human creativity across time and cultures.