History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Metal: The Definitive Guide: Heavy * Thrash * Death * Black * Gothic * Doom * Power * Progressive

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The Best "Metal Only" book out there.
Great organiziation of the different Genre, very complete
greatest most accurate metal guide yet!
An A-Z of key artists
Extensive sampling of "true" metal

Metal: The Definitive Guide: Heavy * Thrash * Death * Black * Gothic * Doom * Power * Progressive
Garry Sharpe-Young
Manufacturer: Jawbone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1906002010

Book Description

This is a comprehensive, illustrated book about one of the most enduringly popular forms of music. Combining biography, critical analysis, and detailed reference sections, it profiles all the major heavy metal artists as well as a huge selection of other niche acts from around the world. Metal: The Definitive Guide includes new firsthand interviews with many major metal musicians and detailed discographies. The definitive metal encyclopedia, with 300+ illustrations including artist photos and memorabilia such as posters, ticket stubs, and much more.

Customer Reviews:

The Best "Metal Only" book out there........2007-09-20

I recently bought this book back in August and am stillreading it, its thatgood. First of all, this book only deals with "True Metal" bands only. There are no NuMetal, Grunge, hair,etc.What you get is different genres of Metal. American Thrash, British Thrash, Death, Black, Doom/Gothic, Power, American Heavy Metal, Swedish Heavy Metal, Japanese Metal, NWOBHM, NWOAHM, Brazilian Metal, etc. Band histories and discography are very well done. No longer will you have to buy individual Metal books. Its allhere. In fact, flipping through theAmerican Thrash section, I discovered several Canadian Thrash bands that totally shred. Ended up buying several of their cd's. Garry Sharpe Young has put together the best book on Metal out there for the True Metal fan. If you're a Metal Maniac, buy this now, trust me.

Great organiziation of the different Genre, very complete.......2007-08-22

My favorite still is the Encyclopedia of Metal as a generic guide, but when I saw this one come out this year, I picked up a copy, and it was well worth it. Not only is it also a complete guide, it divides the bands into Genres of metal, that way you can pick up the book, look at the contents and get organized alphabetical answers in each Genre. And all the big bands are included. Again, a great book to have for the Metal head. Check this one out.

greatest most accurate metal guide yet!.......2007-07-29

This is the best metal book ever assembled. This and the "Encyclopedia Of Heavy Metal" are the greatest metal books. nuff said everything that is metal is this book!

An A-Z of key artists.......2007-06-18

Fans of heavy metal who enjoy reading and learning about the genre will find appealing METAL: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE. It blends biography, history, critical analysis and a fine reference section to profile all the major heavy metal artists along with related niche acts around the world, and includes a interviews with many major heavy metal musicians, discographies, and more. It's packed into a survey which also features the sub-genres of heavy metal - goth, black, etc. - in an A-Z of key artists. Any lending collection strong in general-interest, contemporary music must have this.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Extensive sampling of "true" metal.......2007-05-19

This book does an excellent job of including biographies and listed discographies of many representative bands in metal separated by categories such as style of music (like Power Metal), geography (like South American Metal), combinations of these (like UK Trash) and a few others (like 70s Metal and Innovative Bands). So you will see a collection of bands from Black Sabbath to Lordi, from Metallica to Cirith Ungol, from Japanese Ezo to Italian Rhapsody (of Fire), from legends to obscure road warriors.

What you won't be seeing, though, are some controversial genres. I'm talking about Hair Metal, Grunge, Nu Metal and bands that the author perhaps thought were split between Hard Rock and Metal (the aforementioned 70s Metal category is rather short, but the bands there are very crucial to Metal's history). So there is no Motley Crue, no Nirvana, no Korn and no Deep Purple, for example. This is not necessarily a bad thing, since a book focusing in band biographies could be three times the size of this one and still leave out interesting bands. So, all the bands in this book are inarguably metal and reading this book can get you to know what kind of bands are (or were) out there.

However, the thing I expected a little more from this book was a general focus on the music itself, not only the story of the band. Yes, you will know what kind of sound is the trademark of every band (usually at the beginning of the entry) and if a band changed the face of metal in big or subtle ways that comes across in the text as well. But the entries can't have the same length (bands like Infernal Majesty never had the long career of Black Sabbath) and often I want to read more about which albums by Trouble are the classics, not what happened to them between albums or which bands they toured with.

Bottom line, this book is a great read (some cool photos as well) but if you want to expand your knowledge of the bands AND their music, pair this book with the ones by Martin Popoff's, most of which have excellent reviews of whole discographies, and even of individual songs.

The Devil at Isenheim: Reflections of Popular Belief in Grünewald's Altarpiece (California Studies in the History of Art Discovery Series)

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The Devil at Isenheim: Reflections of Popular Belief in Grünewald's Altarpiece (California Studies in the History of Art Discovery Series)
Ruth Mellinkoff
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Isenheim Altar: Suffering and Salvation in the Art of Grunewald

ASIN: 0520062043

Book Description

Matthias Grünwald's world-famous Isenheim Altarpiece ranks among the most powerful expressionistic works of the Northern Renaissance. Characterized by great emotional force, exquisite handling of color and brilliantly interwoven subtleties of Christian iconography, the multi-paneled altarpiece has remained the object of intense scholarly interest and the main attraction of the Musée d'Unterlinden in Colmar, France.
Ruth Mellinkoff offers an original analysis of the altarpiece, uncovering the late medieval popular beliefs that underlie its unusual visual content. She places its rich imagery within a tradition of Christian art, and stunningly, discovers Lucifer among the angels observing the Nativity.

Masterpieces of Western Art: A History Of Art In 900 Individual Studies From The Gothic To The Present Day

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Visual Arts Of The Planet From The Big-Bang Until Yesterday?
Very dissappointing
To bad, not so famous.....
A fine overview
At Last - A Masterpiece of Art History in Its Own Right

Masterpieces of Western Art: A History Of Art In 900 Individual Studies From The Gothic To The Present Day

Manufacturer: Taschen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3822847461

Book Description

Masterpieces of Western Art traces the history of painting from medieval times to the present day. But unlike conventional publications, that merely illustrate a few essentials, this work places 900 paintings taken from every era squarely in the foreground.

The ten chapters each feature an introductory essay profiling the age and the achievements of the major artists, and then present selected works accompanied by searching commentaries. The reader is guided through the techniques and motifs of the artists, and familiarised with the spirit and background concerns of the age. Artist to artist, era to era, century to century, Masterpieces of Western Art adds up to an authoritative history - it is for browsing, too, where the reader can make new discoveries or meet old friends on every page.

This imaginary museum of eight centuries of masterpieces by over 500 artists is a place to explore, to acquire a richer understanding of art - a reliable history, a handbook, as entertaining as it is instructive.

Customer Reviews:

Visual Arts Of The Planet From The Big-Bang Until Yesterday?.......2006-12-03

Most of the expensive art history texts cover the visual arts from the breadth of the planet dating back to approximately the start of civilization about 30,000 years ago. I love art, but I must confess that I am primarily interested in just western painting and sculpture. This book, Masterpieces of Western Art, is a wonderful find for those who share my interests, although it should be noted that this set of books does not cover sculpture.

Here's why it's such a great book.
1. It's the best compilation of art that you will ever find at a price that is so unbelievably low. It's printed on good paper, and the reproductions are quite adequate. Whenever I read reviews of art books I generally find reviewers who complain about the image quality. One reviewer has made such a complaint about this book. He used, as an example, the paintings of Caravaggio. I decided to make a little test so I took several of the most prominent general texts and books dedicated to Caravaggio and compared each one's reproduction of Caravaggio's "Entombment of Christ". In Masterpieces of Western Art the painting seems to be a trifle over exposed resulting in a higher contrast picture with some slight loss of detail in the shadows. Color was well balanced. I used 5 other books for my comparison. In one text costing four times the price of this book the reproduction had a slight greenish tint. There were slight variations in all of the books that I used for comparison. Which one is the best? The only real way to tell is to go to the Vatican and look at the original.
2. Most all of the major painters are represented in this book, and you will also find numerous paintings by other minor painters who are quite skilled. These are painters that you quite often won't even find in art history texts or even some of the specialized art books.
3. Each painting is accompanied by such things as the description of the painter's technique, decoding of the symbolism used, and the social context of the painting.
4. Each chapter has an introduction of about 20 pages that explains the styles or periods (baroque, mannerism, rococo, etc.) of painting and/or countries being examined. This material is well written and easily understood by the general reader. The introductions and commentary will provide you with an excellent introduction or refresher course in art. Please don't call this a "coffee table book" as it is so much more than that.
5. Volume II has a lengthy appendix that contains a biography of every painter included in this work.

I cannot believe that there is a better set of books on western painting sold at such an unbelievable price. It includes 900 paintings of 500 artists. You'll find an interesting painting by Johann Carl Roth, a painter that you won't find a mention of in art history texts. Forget the biggies like Hanson, Gardner, Stokstad, and even good old Sister Wendy. Buy this set and enjoy.

Very dissappointing.......2006-11-23

There are several editions of this book, I am reviewing the two-volume slipcase edition. These books are not nearly as good as the 5 star reviews would make you think.

Taschen is known for publishing high quality art books at low prices. I have purchased many of their books and have usually been very happy. I was hoping to see the same quality with this work, but instead I was very dissapointed.

The reproductions are of shockingly poor quality. They have incorrect, washed-out colors and are lacking in detail. Unfortunately, it is many of the greatest masters, like Titian and Caravaggio, who get the worst treatment.

As way of comparison, Taschen publishes a series of cheap $10 paperbacks called the Basic Art series. I own several of these volumes and the reproductions are vastly superior to what you'll find here. Holding them side by side, the difference is like night and day.

If you are looking for an introductory survey of Western art, Gombrich's Story of Art is better written, cheaper, and has better images. Also, as mentioned, Taschen's Basic Art series is an excellent set of introductory books with the best color reproductions you'll find in that price range.

To bad, not so famous............2006-08-14

For it's great content. I found this books by chance, the only regret I have not founding it earlier. Well organized; a great source of information for somebody interested in Western Art. I am not an expert so if something trigger my curiosity I go to the precise period or certain artist. From Gothic to Present you find something about any artist you want to know. I highly recommend this book.

A fine overview.......2002-05-26

A book thorough in its presentation of Western art from the Gothic period on through the period of Neoclassicism, the authors of the chapters in it have given the reader a fine overview of the art techniques used in this time period. They also attempt to explain the various rationale and motivations of the artists themselves in creating the artforms that they did. These attempts will of course remain points of controversy, for it is difficult, and the authors cannot claim with certainty, any correlation between the artforms and the political, personal, and social philosophies of the time periods discussed. But the author's speculations on these reasons entice readers to form their own, and this enhances the didactic quality of the book.

In the discussion of the Gothic era, for example, the author (Robert Suckale) claims that the art of this period was to be contrasted with that of the Middle Ages, which exclusively produced works that protrayed life in the hereafter. A sharp boundary would be difficult to draw between the Gothic and Middle Ages though, so it should be concluded that his statement is one that could be characterized as dealing with "averages" over the works produced. Certainly some exceptions or deviations could be found in the works of the Gothic era as well as the Middle Ages. It might be perhaps more precise to classify time periods in art relative to the techniques used rather than the content, especially when comparing two points in history that are separated by a relatively short time scale. Therefore it is easier to accept that art at the end of the Gothic period was very different in content than the beginning of the Middle Ages, but as one shrinks the time scale separating these endpoints, the distinction becomes more difficult.

in addition, Suckale emphasizes the role of the artist as architect in the Gothic period, with geometrical considerations viewed as "natural" and therefore subject to the dynamism displayed by nature. This lead to complex mathematical configurations coupled with intricate non-geometric components. The "fresco" technique had its origin in this time period, and Suckale takes the reader through the process of how this was done, it requiring the artist to work very quickly. The ramifications of the Black Death on commerce at the time influenced art dramatically, Suckale argues, and resulted, interestingly, with an explosion of both religious and secular works of art. The survivors of the Black Death were those of the repentant and those who felt life was short and must be enjoyed to the fullest. Suckale also explains the switching by artists from the pattern book to the sketch book, resulting in more originality by the artists.

Manfred Wundram follows in the next article with a discussion of the early Renaissance period, which can be characterized he says by emphasis on portraiture and landscape painting. He claims that fine art is a means of expression of humankinds general cultural and intellectual history, and that religious and political conditions play a major role in shaping the art forms of a particular era. Art intepretation, he says, cannot happen without visual evidence. Any attempt to do so is mere speculation. These comments are to some extent convincing, but the interpretation of all art, regardless of the time period in which it was produced, should be left to the mind of the observer, in whatever framework such an observer chooses, be it a modern viewpoint or one that is actually attempting to relate the artwork to the time period in which it was produced. Pure speculation in the appreciation of art is thus permissible and is to be encouraged.

Wundrum continues his analysis in the next article on the Renaissance and Mannerism, in which he argues, painting reached an absolute zenith. Readers preferences may prohibit an agreement with this characterization of the Renaissance however. In the artworks displayed in this article, a good example being the Virgin and Child with St Anne and St John the Baptist, one can see what Wundrum describes as color modulation, as the gradual dissolving of outlines. Wundrum also discusses in detail the origins of the term Mannerism and its problematic use in describing some of the art in this time period, and as being a transition between Renaissance and Baroque. And interestingly from a modern perspective is the exaggeration and deformation of the ideal human figure which took place under the category of Mannerism, supposedly according to the author to make more of an expressive impact.

In the next article, Andreas Prater takes the reader through the Baroque period, the art in this period reflecting the ostentation and exuberance of the times. He argues that the art of this period is very difficult to define and characterize, and he summarizes the attempts to do so in detail. Illusionism and distortion of reality he says, are characteristics of the Baroque period. This is not readily apparent in the artworks displayed in this section however, unless one view angels, unicorns, etc as a distortion of reality, and not merely a flight of fancy on the part of the artist. In fact a certain degree of optimisim is present, a good example being "Seaport at Sunrise' by Claude Lorrain.

Hermann Bauer continues with the Baroque period but from the standpoint of the Netherlands in the next article. The paintings seem more naturalistic in this case, the landscapes more serene, with an overabundance of earth tones. The "Honeysuckle Bower" of Peter Paul Rubens has to rank as one of the most impressive studies in detail ever put on canvas. Rembrandt's "Slaughtered Ox" is characteristically post-Modern.

Eva-Gresine Baur ends the book with an article on Rococo and Neoclassicism. The use of pastels characterizes this period, argues Baur, and she describes these methods in detail. She characterizes the art of this period as a repression of fear, and without agreeing with this statement, the artworks listed do seem to exemplify a certain degree of escapism.

At Last - A Masterpiece of Art History in Its Own Right.......2000-02-06

This is one of the best art books I have ever read, for serious art historian or novice. The production is beautiful, the writing simple and to the point. And the great thing is, once is not enough - you want to look at it and read it over and over again. A bargain at the price and a joy to handle and peruse.

Giotto to Durer: Early Renaissance Painting in the National Gallery (National Gallery London Publications)

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Great review of Renaissance painting
Wonderful book with necessarily limited scope
superb introduction to renaissance painting

Giotto to Durer: Early Renaissance Painting in the National Gallery (National Gallery London Publications)
Jill Dunkerton
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0300050704

Customer Reviews:

Great review of Renaissance painting.......2006-12-13

I'm a real art geek, and I've read a lot of books on this subject. This is one of the best. It provides a wonderful review of paintings and how they were made in Western Europe before the 16th century. This was a time of great transition in style, subject matter, and materials. This was when oil painting transitioned from an ancillary medium, believed useful for a few minor aspects of a painting, to the primary means of making visual art. This book lays it all out in ways that are accessible, yet thorough. If you are going to get one book about Renaissance painting, get this one.

Wonderful book with necessarily limited scope.......2005-07-23

This is a beautiful, sumptuous book, crammed with detail and excellent colour reproductions. Other readers mightn't go for all the technical information but I can't get enough of it. I also prefer the discussions of individual works which occupy a large part of this volume -- its companion, 'Dürer to Veronese', takes a more synoptic view, which tends to obscure the fact that these are surveys of a collection.

That's my only quibble, and it isn't really with the book, which is about as accomplished at it could be -- so good, in fact, that it's tempting to read it as a textbook of the whole period. Much of the material is of general relevance, of course; but don't forget that many of the major works from this period aren't in galleries at all: they're still in the places they were meant to be.

superb introduction to renaissance painting.......2003-06-15

We are used to looking at "old Master" painting as if it were just a matter of style, but the truth is that Renaissance art was in important respects the product of a revolution in the use of binding media (water and egg yolk for tempera; oils) for pigments, and in the prepared surfaces (wood panels, paper, canvas) to which these pigments were applied. This wonderfully illustrated book distills the knowledge gained by the restorers of the National Gallery in London, from decades of well-documented, cutting-edge restorations of the outstanding Italian and northern European Old Master paintings in their care. It is much, much more than a technical handbook. Historical essays cover the categories of Renaissance painting, 1300 to 1500, and their many uses, while the second half of the book is an informative catalogue (with gorgeous color reproductions) of individual paintings by many of the best-known Renaissance artists (Botticelli, Jan van Eyck, Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Durer, to name the most obvious).

Carved Splendor: Late Gothic Altarpieces in Southern Germany, Austria, and South Tirol

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Carved Splendor: Late Gothic Altarpieces in Southern Germany, Austria, and South Tirol
Rainer Kahsnitz
Manufacturer: Getty Trust Publications: J. Paul Getty Museum
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0892368535

Book Description

Monumental carved, winged altarpieces are the most ambitious artworks from the Middle Ages, incorporating the skills of painters, sculptors, and cabinetmakers. Those that are most notable for their artistic originality and masterly execution were produced in the southern German-speaking
regions, including Austria and South Tirol, in the last decades of the Late Gothic period (roughly 1460 to 1525). By that time altarpieces had evolved from low, fixed panels to large wooden structures with rich architectural ornamentation. Paintings of the saints often adorned the movable wings,
while carved reliefs or freestanding sculptures of scenes from the Gospels occupied the gilded, center shrine.
Rainer Kahsnitz offers a close examination of twenty-two of the most important surviving altarpieces, discussing the historical context in which they were made and analyzing how their pictorial programs reflect changing notions of piety. The sumptuous color illustrations capture the altarpieces
in all their possible arrangements. The stunning details of these pieces--riotous locks of hair, swirling fabric, and thickets of twisted vines--vividly demonstrate the consummate skill of the master artisans who created them.

The Gothic Cathedral: The Architecture of the Great Church 1130-1530

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The Gothic Cathedral is comprehesive AND readable!

The Gothic Cathedral: The Architecture of the Great Church 1130-1530
Christopher Wilson
Manufacturer: Thames & Hudson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0500276811

Book Description

The Gothic cathedrals of the Middle Ages are among the world's supreme architectural achievements. Hundreds of these great churches were built throughout Europe in a rich variety of styles between c. 1130 and c. 1530, all of them representing an investment of money and effort so immense that it is difficult to find a modern parallel.

Christopher Wilson focuses here on the interaction between design and the requirements of patrons, following the creative processes of architects by reconstructing the problems and opportunities that they faced. He discusses chronology, structural techniques, and stylistic developments and then goes further, seeing the story as a sequence of choices from which new challenges and solutions arose. 221 illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

The Gothic Cathedral is comprehesive AND readable!.......2000-02-04

How I ended up being the first to review this book is beyond me. I would've guessed that many a learned architectural scholar would've long since sung the praises of this wonderful book. I, however, am just a layman with a lifelong passion for Gothic cathedral architecture, which started in the Washington National Cathedral and became educated, at least partiallly, in this book.

I consider Wilson's "The Gothic Cathedral", a 'must own' for anyone who has ever felt a yearning to know more about the soaring arches, brilliant glasswork, and impossibly high, vaulted ceilings of these magnificent medieval structures. This book, details the development of this unique form of architectural artistry; beginning with it's modest antecedents in Romanesque architecture and the groin-vaulted churches of Normandy and England and continuing through even the most elaborate and extravagant versions of late-Gothic throughout Europe. Mr. Wilson moves the reader, comfortably and comprehensibly through the chronological development of Gothic architecture, while neatly detailing the differences in coincidental development in several diverse geographic regions. Even I, with no formal architectural education, can now explain most of the finer points of Norman Romanesque, French High Gothic, and the Rayonnant styles of architecture, as well as explaining the odd metamorphisis of the English Decorated style into the very uniquely English, Perpendicular style.

Book Description

This beautiful book celebrates the remarkable flowering of art in Prague during the reigns of Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV and his two sons, Wenceslas IV and Sigismund. When crowned king of Bohemia in 1347, Charles vowed to make Prague the cultural rival of Paris and Rome. He rebuilt its castle and began a massive building campaign to glorify Saint Vitus’s Cathedral. In the ensuing century, Prague became not only an imperial but also an intellectual and artistic capital.
In essays and detailed entries on some 240 artworks drawn from American and European collections, an esteemed group of scholars traces the birth of a distinctly Bohemian art in Prague in the mid-fourteenth century and its diffusion throughout Europe over the next hundred years. Panel paintings, goldsmiths’ work, sculpture, stained glass, and illuminated manuscripts bear witness to the wide-ranging achievements of the hundreds of artists who were active in Bohemian lands during this spectacular century. Not since they were created have these magnificent objects been accorded the attention that they deserve on an international stage.

Customer Reviews:

The BEST.......2006-03-01

I have this book and bought it as a gift for a relitive..whose has been to Prague.and will be going back again this year.He was thrilled with this gift..and could not say enough about how pleased he was with all the color pictures...This rates as one of the Best on whats being shown now at the Museum...and its just a beautiful book..a very good value.B.W.

Prague, Still One to the Most Beautiful Cities of Europe.......2005-10-20

PRAGUE, THE CROWN OF BOHEMIA, 1347-1437 is a great example of how a catalogue for a museum exhibition can fill a hole in art history. Though visitors still throng to this magnificent city, few know enough about its history in the arts except for a isolated facts like Mozart's 'Prague Symphony'! This beautiful, rich book focuses on the 90-year period when the crowned heads of Bohemia pulled out all stops to make Prague the cultural equal of Paris and Rome. The resulting architecture, sculpture, street vistas, paintings, incomparable stained glass, and even the carved gold antiquities are among the finest examples of the craftsmen's art.

The book highlights many of the works in the Metropolitan Museum exhibition, works gleaned the world over and reproduced here in immaculate color and black and white. The accompanying writing by Barbara Drake Boehm is not only well written and informative, it holds an awe for the subject that makes the concomitant viewing of these masterworks a particular pleasure.

This book and exhibition not only focus on the, for the most part, unknown factual art historical aspects of Prague and Bohemia, it also provides a superb social and political history source for this important region. This is a grand book, highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05

Gothic Architecture (The Yale University Press Pelican History of Art)

Average customer rating:

Only useful for Architectural Elements

Gothic Architecture (The Yale University Press Pelican History of Art)
Paul Frankl
Manufacturer: Yale University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Gothic | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0300087993

Book Description

This magisterial study of Gothic architecture traces the meaning and development of the Gothic style through medieval churches across Europe. Ranging geographically from Poland to Portugal and from Sicily to Scotland and chronologically from 1093 to 1530, the book analyzes changes from Romanesque to Gothic as well as the evolution within the Gothic style and places these changes in the context of the creative spirit of the Middle Ages.

In its breadth of outlook, its command of detail, and its theoretical enterprise, Frankl's book has few equals in the ambitious Pelican History of Art series. It is single-minded in its pursuit of the general principles that informed all aspects of Gothic architecture and its culture. In this edition Paul Crossley has revised the original text to take into account the proliferation of recent literature—books, reviews, exhibition catalogues, and periodicals—that have emerged in a variety of languages. New illustrations have also been included.

Customer Reviews:

Only useful for Architectural Elements.......2001-10-13

This book is an extremely extensive coverage of Gothic Architecture throughout Europe. The quality and coverage of the work is unsurpassed. However, it only covers the architectural elements of Gothic Cathedrals and does not cover aspects such as stained glass windows, wood carvings and sculptural art within Gothic Cathedrals. If you are looking for a general work on various aspects of Gothic Art, this is not it.

Victorian Gothic House Style: An Architectural and Interior Design Source Book for Home Owners

Average customer rating:

A wonderful book...

Victorian Gothic House Style: An Architectural and Interior Design Source Book for Home Owners
Linda Osband
Manufacturer: David & Charles Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Decorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0715314386

Book Description

Discover how to recreate and restore authentic period architecture, furnishings and detailing in the Victorian Gothic style.

As Linda Osband demonstrates in this fact-filled volume, the Gothic Revival caught the fancy of many Victorians who sought refuge in supposedly simpler days. Picturesque castles and cathedrals with spiky towers, high-gabled roofs and medieval ornament provided just the escape needed from all the rigours and gritty reality of the industrial revolution.

A celebration of one of the most exuberant styles of the period, Victorian Gothic House Style provides the ideal source of inspiration and reference for anyone wishing to re- create or preserve Gothic houses and interiors with style and confidence, by combining specially commissioned photographs and extensive source material from contemporary catalogues with informative and practical text.

Accompanied by an historical appreciation of the period in architecture and interiors, as well as through its influential designers, there is practical information on re-creating the effect plus a comprehensive list of stockists and suppliers.

Linda Osband has edited many books on a wide range of non-fiction subjects and has complied an anthology of Victorian travellers. she is also the author of the successful Victorian House Style, also published by David & Charles. Linda lives in London.

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful book..........2007-06-07

I just bought my first house, an 1920's victorian style house. This book is being a good send to help me decorate and restore it to it's former glory.

Great additions besides this book:
* Junk Chic
* Irish Country Style
* French Country Junk Chic

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