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Title: Gothic: Architecture - Sculpture - Painting
ISBN: 0841600686
Author:
Publicate Date: 2008-02
Publish: 2008-02
List Price: $24.95
Average Customer Rating: 5.0
Format: Paperback
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Amazon Lowest New Price: $15.65
Amazon Lowest Used Price: $14.75
Amazon Merchant Price: $16.47
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| Customer Review: |
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1: From Gothic to Renaissance
"Gothic" is the second book in a series that covers Western European art and architecture from the 11th to the 19th century. "Gothic" actually deals with two periods: the Gothic period proper, and the Early Renaissance, mostly it's Northern (Dutch) version. The editor believes that the distinction between Late Gothic and the Renaissance is problematic and somewhat artificial. Thus, the book takes us from the 12th century well into the 15th century.
A large part of the book deals with Gothic architecture: cathedrals, churches, city halls and (to a much lesser extent) castles. There are also chapters on Gothic sculpture, painting and goldwork. The chapter on painting also includes Giotto, Fra Angelico and the Northern Renaissance (especially the latter). The text is very comprehensive, and probably mostly appeals to serious students of European art and architecture. What makes the book of interest to the non-specialist are the lavish illustrations. There are photos on almost every page, most of them in color, and all of it for a bargain price!
Personally, I must admit that the "pure" Gothic cathedrals don't really appeal to me. I find them boring. And yes, almost half the book shows Gothic cathedral interiors or facades, most of them strikingly similar to each other... The second half of the book is more aesthetically pleasing, showing how the original Gothic style changed as it spread to Germany, the Netherlands and Bohemia, and how painting developed during the Early Renaissance. The section on goldworks shows many interesting objects.
I like the "Baroque" volume of this series more, but if you have an interest in the Middle Ages, or "Old" Europe art and architecture in general, this book is nevertheless recommended.
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2: Exquisite introduction to Gothic style
Honestly, I'm thinking of buying another two copies of this book (I have one now) so that I can cut out and frame some of the pictures - (I want two copies because some of the images are back to back). The images are stunning, and there are clear examples that show the influence of Islamic and Moorish art on Christian cathedrals, especially in Spain. Truly a beautiful and scholarly introduction to this lovely part of the heritage of the whole human race.
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3: THE BEST CATHEDRAL BOOK EVER
This is the most spectacular book for you if you like lots of HUGE clear photos of TONS of gothic cathedrals. There are MANY pages of history and other information about the making and restoring of the cathedrals. A MUST HAVE for any gothic-history lover.
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4: Big beautiful book! Coffee table caliber.
I first discovered this book in the library and I checked it out several times because I just loved looking at it so much. The pictures are so breathtaking, it increased my resolved to go to Europe and visit all these incredible places first hand. It's a great thourough book for anyone who is new to Gothic art forms as well as a visual reference for people who are already familiar with the style. Hard to carry around, but very easy to read!
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5: Fabulous book, fabulous bargain
Having borrowed this book over and over from the library, I really had a hard time parting with it when I last returned it. The photographs are splendid, a joy to look at. Since it also qualifies as a reference book, I looked it up ..... to but [buy] a copy but was certain price would be ... more than in was. Now I'm about to by my third copy --it is an amazing bargain.
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