Art History: A Critical Introduction to Its Methods

Book Description

This book provides a lively and stimulating introduction to methodological debates within art history. Offering a lucid account of approaches from Hegel to post-colonialism, the book provides a sense of art history’s own history as a discipline from its emergence in the late-eighteenth century to contemporary debates.

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A review of "Art History and its Methods"
A *Critical* Anthology
A rare breed: a stimulating read
A great idea, but a disappointing book
Fernie's Anthology is an Odd Compilation

Art History and Its Methods
Eric Fernie
Manufacturer: Phaidon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Art of Art History: A Critical Anthology (Oxford History of Art)
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Critical Terms for Art History
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Meaning in the Visual Arts

ASIN: 0714829919

Customer Reviews:

A review of "Art History and its Methods".......2005-04-07

Includes:
Giorgio Vasari, the lives of the artists, 1568,
Karel van Mander, Dutch and Flemish Painters, 1604,
Giovanni Bellori,the idea of the painter, the sculptor and the architect chosen from the higher natural beauties of nature, 1672,
Johann Winckelmann, history of ancient art, 1764,
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Von deutscher Baukunst, 1772,
Jakob Burckhardt, reflections on history, 1872,
Giovanni Morelli, Italian painters, 1880,
Alois Tiegi: late Roman art industry, 1901,
Heinrich Wolfflin, principles of art history, 1915,
Paul Franki, principles of architectural history, 1914,
Roger Fry, reflections, 1920,
Henri Focillon, the world of forms, 1934,
Alfred H. Baff, chart of modern art, 1936,
Erwin Panofshky, the history of art as a humanistic discipline, 1940,
Nikolaus Pevsner, an outline of European architecture, 1943,
Arnold Hauser, the scope a limitations of sociology of art, 1959,
Susan Sontag, against interpretation, 1964,
E.H. Gombrich, in search of cultural history, 1967,
William Fagg, studying primitive art, 1973,
T.J. Clark, the conditions of artistic creation, 1974,
John Onians, art history, Kinstegschichte and historia, 1978,
Michael Baldwin, Charles Harrison and Mel Ramsden, art history, art criticism and explanation, 1981, Svetlana Alpers, interpretation without representation, or the viewing of Las Meninas, 1983,
Hans Belting, the end of the history of art?, 1984,
Griselda Pollock, Feminist interventions in the history of Art, 1988.
Olu Oguibe, in the heart of darkness, 1993

It is an excellent anthology, but it lacks colour plate images. Since it is a book about methods in art historical practice, the focus is much more directed to looking at texts. Yet, there are a few black and white images printed in the book that provide examples of the works being discussed. However, I would forfeit my desire for colour plates in light of the affordable price (appx. $30 for almost 400 pages of quality reading) and its promise for longevity for being an oft-consulted book for a serious art historian. I am not sure why Fernie decided to omit the footnotes of the original essays, which makes this only a lead-in to the original texts. I would also like to see Fernie add more contemporary essays with subsequent editions, as the latest date of the essays included is 1993 (recent only in light of the 1995 publication date).

The theories shaping the widely varied practices of of art history are highly contested, often misunderstood, and a `hot topic' in many schools of academia. Eric Fernie has collected some of the most interesting writing, from the Renaissance to the contemporary, about methodology in the practice of art history, introducing each of the essays with a brief summary of its contents. Fernie's considerable ability to summarize and contextualize key points of dense texts in a thoughtful and accessible way makes the reader look forward to diving into this carefully laid out anthology of 27 classic texts about methodology in the arts (like Heinrich Wolfflin's 1915 "Principles of Art History" or Giorgio Vasari's 1568 "The Painter's Book"). Also included in this book is a useful and critical glossary of terms, written by Fernie. Demonstrating the wide variety of approaches taken by serious scholars over the ages, Fernie illuminates the rhizomatic way in which the discourse of art historical practice has unfolded over time, sometimes following an evoluting line of developing thought, but sometimes showing how relatively `new' ideas appear and disappear into the folds of culture's eternal mutation.

Fernie is likely trying to reach academic readers instead of a popular audience, but more specifically, he is likely trying to reach post-undergraduate-level academics. This idea rests on the observation that the content of the essays are quite serious, as well as being of the kind of historical overview that nonacademic, and even many undergrad students, in my opinion, might find difficult to put into perspective unless they have a solid background in both cultural and art history. This book is definitely not for everyone. Those seriously interested in art history, criticism, theory, the history of ideas, or research methodology would find this book most interesting. People who are looking for juicy images, coffee table classics, or simplified interpretations of classic art need not open this book, unless they want to challenge their understanding of how history, methods of enquiry, and the subjectivity of the self inform higher-level understanding of art and art history.

A *Critical* Anthology.......2003-04-20

Fernie's book is indeed a little gem, a compilation of most of the major players and critical thinkers that shaped the discipline of Art History as we know it today. The format is user-friendly, with an excellent table of contents, select bibliography, and index. The glossary in the back provides definitions that are indispensable for beginners and masters alike. His intros are succinct; they provide a historical context, and distill most of the main points of each reading into a short, interesting, and easy to digest summary.

The selected texts provide the reader with a good definition of some of the historical and contemporary differences between different schools of Art History and Art Criticism. The methods provided in this book are applicable to any humanistic discipline. While not totally comprehensive, the material presented does give an excellent starting point for further excursions into art historical methodology.

That said, Fernie does allow some of his own biases and methodologies to colour some of his introductions, and the selections of representative texts. The critical thinking of his readers needs to be applied to these aspects of the book, as much as the texts presented. However, all in all this is an excellent "History of Art History". I reccomend this book highly to "students" (of any kind) interested in a higher understanding of art, art criticism, and historiography.

A rare breed: a stimulating read.......2001-04-16

The prospect of a book filled with extracts from some of the greatest art criticism written may not fill every one with excitement, but when this is the book, it should. Eric Fernie has collected the major works of the most important art historians and critics, all translated in to English. With each he adds a slight biography and handy pointers as to what the aim of the writer was. It is true that these are just extracts (in some cases, like Goethe, it is the whole of the piece) but they give you a taste of the whole, without leaving you confused.

Apart from the actual writings, there is a very handy guide to "buzz" words and terminologies, as well as theories from the world of art and philosophy, so if you do get lost, you have a map to refer to. The format of the book is good too, being arranged in such away that it is almost a text or reference book: you have a well designed index which allows you to dip in and out with out getting bemused or frustrated.

This book is a good introduction to the world of art criticism. If you ever read reviews of artists or exhibition and get confused by the terms used or people mentioned, it is likely that a look and then read of this book will make everything clearer, or distract you so much that you forget. Though this group of works may appear boring at first, it is not because Fernie's mini-biographies and explainations make it all clear: bordom soon becomes interest when the fear of getting lost among the technical terms is taken away.

A good introduction to art history and criticism, and the more general world of philosophy.

A great idea, but a disappointing book.......2000-05-04

I bought this book because I wanted an anthology of "the best," classic articles on a variety of fields and from a variety of critical viewpoints, hoping to use it for my introductory art history course. But not only could one quarrel with the choices here, but the articles are abridged almost to the point of incomprehensibility and the footnotes are left out. This makes the collection unrepresentative of what it purports to be about, and useless in the classroom.

Fernie's Anthology is an Odd Compilation.......1997-12-04

The choices Fernie made in compiling his anthology often seem to make little sense. His Vasari excerpt, for example, is a mish-mosh of badly excerpted Lives and patched together methodology--not one complete, coherent excerpt. Further, as a scholarly tool, it is quite irritating that Fernie deletes the footnotes to all the texts save his own. In addition, his introductions to each piece are not very insightful nor are they stimulating. Unfortunately (and this is what saves the anthology from being a 1) it is the only introduction to various methodologies for the young art historian. For the interested amateur this is a good start (although note that there are many other interesting texts that are not included in the anthology--Pliny, for example). If I were a Professor, however, I would simply make a packet of materials for my students of more substantive excerpts WITH footnotes and without Fernie's summations.

Bonsai: Its Art, Science, History and Philosophy

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Comprehensive coverage for beginners to experts
A compendium of practical and innovative bonsai techniques.

Bonsai: Its Art, Science, History and Philosophy
Deborah R. Koreshoff
Manufacturer: Timber Press, Incorporated
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Complete Book of Bonsai
Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Problem Solving
Bonsai with Japanese Maples

ASIN: 0917304683

Customer Reviews:

Comprehensive coverage for beginners to experts.......2000-06-16

This text was the one i'd been searching for so long. I've purchased a dozen bonsai books over the years and finally found Koreshoff's book. It's straight foreward, simple, and explains so many things i'd been confused about that other bonsai books don't touch on like the philosophical purpose of the shapes of trees. Bottom line is this: you can get many bonsai books and get close to what Koreshoff has done, or you can purchase hers and be done. You won't regret it.

A compendium of practical and innovative bonsai techniques........1998-03-13

With few color photographs but many excellent line drawings and lucid writing, the author covers all the essentials. The techniques presented are both practical and innovative. The chapters on shaping, soil, and styling are exceptional. Only Naka's two volume set rivals this publication.

Metropolis Now: London and its Region (Update)

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Metropolis Now: London and its Region (Update)
John Martin Hall
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Metropolis Now examines the dramatic geographical, political, social and economic changes which have occurred in London in recent years. The physical and economic relationship between London and the wider South East region is also explored through an analysis of maps and statistics. Tables and other up-to-date sources emphasise recent trends in such crucial areas as housing, jobs and transport. Not only does this Update relate the facts about rapidly-changing areas such as the Docklands, it also captures something of the pleasures - and aggravations - of living and working in this vibrant capital city.

The Invention of Photography and its Impact on Learning: Photographs from Harvard University and Radcliffe College and from the Collection of Harrison D. Horblit

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The Invention of Photography and its Impact on Learning: Photographs from Harvard University and Radcliffe College and from the Collection of Harrison D. Horblit
Eugenia Janis , Beaumont Newhall , Melissa Banta , Carney Gavin , James Ackerman , John Stoeckle , Guillerm Sanchez , and John Stilgoe
Manufacturer: Harvard University Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0674464354

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Art History and Its Methods
Eric Fernie
Manufacturer: Phaidon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K3R2I0

Art History and Its Methods; A Critical Anthology

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Art History and Its Methods; A Critical Anthology
Eric Fernie
Manufacturer: Phaidon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MBND56

Product Description

An introduction to and selections from the photographs of legendary photographer Francis Frith from the years 1856-1860.

Egypt and the Holy Land in Historic Photographs: Seventy-Seven Views (Dover Photography Collections)

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Photographs of a lost world

Egypt and the Holy Land in Historic Photographs: Seventy-Seven Views (Dover Photography Collections)
Francis Frith , and Julia Van Haaften
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books

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Amazon.com

In 1856 Francis Frith set out for Egypt, intending to photograph the great archeological finds of his day. He traveled by boat, on horseback, and by camel, carrying his bulky photographic equipment with him, and in the course of his wanderings he captured the stark majesty of some of the Middle East's greatest monuments. Now, 77 of his best photographs from Egypt have been compiled in one book, Egypt and the Holy Land in Historic Photographs. Here you'll find stunning images of a bygone era: the Sphinx buried up to its neck in sand; the Temple of Karnak before its rubble-choked halls were cleared; Luxor while it was still being used to store grain. The black-and-white photographs depict the wonder and grandeur of both the monuments and Egypt herself, while the accompanying text comments on the subject as it was in Frith's day and as it appears now. There's also an extensive foreword detailing Francis Frith's fascinating life.

Shutterbugs will appreciate the difficulty of Frith's work and his precise eye; armchair travelers will enjoy daydreaming about an age when grand tours were made by boat and rail, and almost any trip qualified as adventure travel. While it can be enjoyed and appreciated by most anyone, Egypt and the Holy Land will appeal particularly to photographers, travelers, and Egyptologists.

Customer Reviews:

Photographs of a lost world.......2003-02-08

If the Egypt and holy land of the 19th century explorers interest you - or if you love David Roberts prints of Egypt and want to see what the temples look like from an objective view, then this book is for you. The photos presented here were taken by Francis Firth a Derbyshire photographer who travelled to Egypt and the middle east a number of times in the 1850's and 60's and recorded what he saw with these fantastic photographs.

The photos are all clear, beautiful shots, like the best of 19th century photography. You get to see views like The Pyramids of Giza and Dahshur, the temples of Dendera, Karnak, Luxor, Thebes and Edfu all buried in sand or in their "original" ruined 19th century state. In addition to the wonderful parade of Egyptian photos there are also scenes from Jerusalem, Gaza, the dead sea and Baalbek in Lebanon.

This is a wonderful book that takes you on a visual trip to the past. Recommended for anyone interested in Egypt or 19th century photography.

Francis Frith's Egypt and the Holy Land
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Francis Frith's Egypt and the Holy Land
Francis Frith , and Richard Lunn
Manufacturer: Frith Book Company Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Collections, Catalogues & Exhibitions | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
Egypt | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
Israel | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
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General | Egypt | Africa | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1859377939

Early photographs in Egypt and the Holy Land, 1849-1870
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Early photographs in Egypt and the Holy Land, 1849-1870
Weston J Naef
Manufacturer: Metropolitan Museum of Art
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006Y0D0M

Egypt and the Holy Land in Historic Photographs
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Egypt and the Holy Land in Historic Photographs
Francis Frith
Manufacturer: Peter Smith Pub Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0844658871

The Holy Land, Egypt, Constantinople, Athens, etc. etc
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The Holy Land, Egypt, Constantinople, Athens, etc. etc
Francis Bedford
Manufacturer: Day & Son, Ltd., lithographers and publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008D0AX6

[The tour in the east: Photographs of Egypt, the Holy Land and Syria, Constantinople, the Mediterranean, Athens, &c
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[The tour in the east: Photographs of Egypt, the Holy Land and Syria, Constantinople, the Mediterranean, Athens, &c
Francis Bedford
Manufacturer: s.n
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008A8LB2

Be Happy or I'll Scream!: My Deranged Quest for the Perfect Husband, Family, and Life
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Love Sheri's humor

If you love

It's ok.

Poignant, Funny and Painfully Truthful.

Great Book - great service

Be Happy or I'll Scream!: My Deranged Quest for the Perfect Husband, Family, and Life
Sheri Lynch
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Be Happy or Ill Scream! is for every married woman whose fantasy of a sitcom-perfect familythink The Brady Bunch or The Huxtablesis disrupted by the evidence in front of her eyes. Instead of compliant rosy-cheeked children and an adorably tolerant husband ready to go along with zany shenanigans, most women are faced with kids who view family outings with all the enthusiasm of hardened inmates forced to bust rocks on an Alabama roadside and a man who would trade every one of her kooky ideas for just a little more sex and a hot meal on the table at six.

Customer Reviews:

Love Sheri's humor.......2007-08-13

This is a quick read and Sheri's humor is great. I truly enjoyed the book!

If you love.......2007-07-28

to listen to Bob and Sherry, you'll love this book. My mom did and was happy to get it for her B-day. She read it all in like a week.

It's ok........2007-06-27

I love the "Bob and Sheri Show", that's why I thought I would love this book by Sheri Lynch. It wasn't as funny as I thought it would be. Yes, some places had me really laughing, but not the whole thing.

Poignant, Funny and Painfully Truthful........2007-03-29

In this memoir about life with kids and our crazy desire for perfectionism, radio talk-show host Sheri Lynch gives it up. Whether describing a trip to Chicago, the chaos of a toddler birthday party or the near-impossible task of marital sex, she bares her soul with transparency and humor, encouraging us to laugh with her. Poignant, funny and painfully truthful.

Great Book - great service.......2007-03-19

Recieved product in a timely matter. Just what I was looking for. Appreicated being notified that product was available, because I had ordered similar merchandise.

Be Happy or I'll Scream!: My Deranged Quest for the Perfect Husband, Family, And Life

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Be Happy or I'll Scream!: My Deranged Quest for the Perfect Husband, Family, And Life
Sheri Lynch
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTA9GW

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