Offering an exploration of Western and World civilization's cultural heritage, this book is richly illustrated, beautifully designed and engaging. Readers move chronologically through major periods and styles—from the renaissance and mannerism in Italy to 20th Century America—to gain insight into the achievements and ideas in painting, sculpture, architecture, literature, philosophy, religion, and music. For arts and cultural coordinators, professionals and enthusiasts.
I read parts of this Humanities textbook about 17 years ago and had been very interested. It has taken this long for me to find the time to read it cover to cover. It is very interesting. I learned a lot, and came to understand a lot of things I didn't realize I knew. The book presents the art, literature and music of different eras from the Early Renaissance to present day (as published in 1998). It makes me appreciate art even more, and has prompted me to add a few books to my to-read list. And, of course, now I want to travel to Italy (among other places).
This was the textbook for my Music, Art, and Theater Appreciation class. Normally I'm not that into art or theater, but this course and book was really great. It's full of beautiful pictures, and clear, relevant explanations. A really great read for anyone interested in the most famous works of music, art, and theater, or even for anyone's who not that interested, but would like a basic level of education on the subject.
It was ok for a text book. Not that interesting to me. Reading about the interpretations of paintings was about the only interesting thing in this book.