Reviews

Gardner's Art Through the Ages: A Global History by Fred S. Kleiner

bmarie82's review against another edition

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4.0

I didn't read this for fun, it was the assigned text for a class. Having said that I really enjoyed reading it. It doesn't get as stale and dull as other AH texts tend to, perhaps there were times when I wanted more information on a piece but that just prompted me to look it up on my own, as opposed to just wishing there was more.

lucaswhite1's review

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informative medium-paced

persimmons's review against another edition

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informative

4.0

bexi's review against another edition

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Haven't picked it up in a year. I'll revisit when I'm up to it.

piennokkio's review against another edition

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4.0

I’ve actually worked through every single page of this book for uni, but worth it. Still not enough attention for women artists

rachelleahdorn's review against another edition

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4.0

This is the textbook I use for Art History class. The book does somethings well and some things less well. Architecture seems to be handled well, but I'm less fond of the introduction that asks some questions but leaves other things out. I want to set up a framework for how my students approach art history. I think this book is more readable (and a more enjoyable read) than Stokstad, but there are some concepts or ways of phrasing issues that some of my community college students find difficult.
I rarely find myself disagreeing with the text's explanation or choices, but it does happen. In particular, I would have divided the 20th century into twice as many chapters and sorted the works into the uS/Mexico and Europe, especially before 1945. I understand why the book chose not to, but It would help my students sort the information into more manageable pieces.
Additionally, I thought the sections on feminism and post modernism in chapter 25 were too slim. The book doesn't mention postmodernism specifically except in architecture. It can be understood, perhaps, that earthworks and performance art are postmodern but no sculpture, paintings, or installations are discussed in this chapter after postmodernism is introduced.
The 15th edition makes an effort to include women artists and women's stories at least in passing, throughout the text (thanks feminist art movement).
I read and teach wester art history so non Western perspectives don't show up in a significant way until the last chapters--by design.

bella_lettore's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely an amazing book on art history. It's easy to follow and get into. I know that I will continue to use this book for many years. I would recommend this to any teacher looking for an art history book.

noelleslays's review against another edition

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informative slow-paced

3.0

literaryghost's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was wonderful, informative, and thorough. The pictures are great and the research is very detailed.

literaryghost's review against another edition

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5.0

Read this for an art history class and very much loved it. It's informative, interesting, and not at all dull. It's well structured and provides great images on a lot of different aspects of art in many societies.