Alexej Von Jawlensky: Catalogue Raisonne of the Oil Paintings: Volume Two 1914-1933 (Alexej Jawlensky)

Book Description

This second volume of the catalogue of the oil paintings of Alexej von Jawlensky covers the artist's superbly exciting middle period, from his enforced departure from Munich in 1914 up to 1933, when the Nazis banned his work from exhibition. All 833 works discussed are illustrated - 340 of them in color.

During World War I Jawlensky's painting underwent a radical change. In the series "Variations on an Abstract Theme" he stylized the view from his windows - a small garden, path, lake, mountains beyond - to a culmination of total intensity. He increasingly regarded the human face as the sign of an inner vision. The latter series "mystical heads," "Faces of the Saviour," and "Abstract Heads" pulsate with color and seem to express the combined forces of architecture, music, sculpture and dance.

Introductory matter includes an essay by Angelica Jawlensky on the artist's serial painting, and unpublished correspondance with Kandinsky, Schmidt-Rottluff and Emmy Scheyer.

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Masterly and painful
Time to face reality.
Series continues strongly.
The triumph of the human spirit
Powerful

Barefoot Gen Volume Two: The Day After
Keiji Nakazawa , and Art Spiegelman
Manufacturer: Last Gasp
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 086719619X

Book Description

Volume two, The Day After, focuses on the days following the bombing of Hiroshima, as the living victims struggle to survive in the aftermath.

Customer Reviews:

Masterly and painful.......2007-09-10

Barefoot Gen Volume Two picks up where volume one leaves Gen just after the explosion of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima. It a gripping and very painful story of survival in the fist terrible time after the bomb devastated Hiroshima. For those that survived the bomb and the deadly radiation, life has now become a desperate fight for survival in a harsh and brutal world. If you have read Volume One, you cannot skip this one, just as you have to read Volume three and four too.

Time to face reality........2007-06-24

Volume 1 & 2 of Nakazawa's famous comic series about a boy called 'Gen' and his life in Hiroshima during the WWII and soon after the atomic bomb. The first two volumes of this series are probably the most important ones. After I read the first two volumes, I just had to lend them to everyone I knew. If you read this story, you'll realise how silly to hear some popular opiniton 'Dropping two atomic bombs in Japan was necessary to end the war'. Nakazawa says that each and every event is true. You'll see, for example, that two young brothers fight against each other for a little grain of rice. The bombs were dropped onto civilians in the middle of the two cities, and, in Hiroshima alone, 100,000 people, including western prisoners of war, were killed instantly, and the pain they suffered from afterwords was tremendous. The way some of Gen's family members, including a new born baby sister, were slowly dying is simply too sad to look at. But the reality is that it actually took place and was caused by human hands.
I sincerely hope that many people will find an opportunity to read this book at least once in their life-time, and I strongly believe that this book will enlighten the whole world with its message: 'what really happens when a nuclear bomb is dropped onto humanity', which hasn't really been talked about in history books for some reason. But I think it's time to face reality.

Series continues strongly........2006-09-21

Keiji Nakazawa, Barefoot Gen: The Day After (New Society, 1988)

The story of Barefoot Gen, spunky atomic bomb survivor, continues in this second volume of the four-part series. It's not a stretch to predict that how you feel about The Day After will probably reflect how you felt about Barefoot Gen, without much variance.

The Day After (which, in fact, covers the next two days) opens just after the end of Barefoot Gen, and is concerned entirely with the survival of Gen, his mother, and his baby sister Tomoko. Gen's task during this time is to find food for the family, and this quest takes him on a number of small side adventures the present a much larger picture of the greater Hiroshima area after the bomb than the first book provided of Hiroshima before the bomb. Gen meets a number of different people, helps some, and learns that even after the bomb, when everyone around him is shrouded in misery and horror, the banality and prejudice around him doesn't disappear-- in fact, people are worse than they were beforehand. Nakazawa, as is his wont, tells us all this in his stories, and never allows his messages to get in the way of his storytelling. Ironically, Barbara Reynolds' introduction to this edition is a perfect contrast to Nakazawa's story; it's awfully-written, ham-handed, flat-out wrong (Reynolds harps on about American denial of responsibility for Hiroshima, and she's writing ten years or more after the release, and vast popularity, of John Hersey's Hiroshima) polemic whose sole purpose in inclusion, it seems, is to highlight how subtle Nakazawa is. Skip the introduction. Or, if you're a completist, read the book first and come back to the introduction afterwards, so it won't taint you.

This is very good stuff. Well worth your time. *** ½

The triumph of the human spirit.......2003-05-10

Barefoot Gen: The Day After is volume two of a four part series. It tells the story of the day after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima as seen through the eyes of seven year old Gen Nakaoka. Based on the real-life experiences of the author, Gen, his mother, and his newborn sister face the horrors of the day after the bomb. They have no food or shelter and are surrounded by the dead and dying. Even the soldiers sent in to gather and burn the dead bodies are succumbing to the radiation sickness and dying. No one understands what is happening and there is no one to turn to. Gen goes in search of food for his mother whose breast milk has dried up from malnutrition. Alone he faces the horror of the devastation and the destitution of the people of Hiroshima. This the hardest of the four books to read because the carnage of the day after the bomb is almost beyond belief. Gen's compassion, humanity, and determination makes this an inspiring book about the strength of the human spirit. Although the graphic scenes may turn some people off, this is still an important book for its message on the dangers of nuclear war.

The work has been wonderfully translated from the Japanese original: Hadashi no Gen. It was originally published in serial form in 1972 and 1973 in Shukan Shonen Jampu, the largest weekly comic magazine in Japan, with a circulation of over two million. The drawings are all in black and white. This US edition was published as part of a movement to translate the book into other languages and spread its message. It is a wonderful testimony to the strength of the human spirit and the horrors of nuclear war. There are a few introductory essays at the front of the book that help to put this book into perspective. It is a powerful and tragic story that I highly recommend for anyone interested in the topic.

Powerful.......2002-08-28

I stumbled across this graphic novel in a used bookstore, not having any idea the impression it would make on me. This is an incredibly powerful story, very effectively told through the medium of comic art. It is an affirmation of the power of visual media, and an example of how comics can be used for much more than funnies and fantasies. It is also probably the most effective anti-nuclear material I have ever come across.

Dictionary of Women Artists (Two Volume Set)

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Dictionary of Women Artists (Two Volume Set)
Delia Gaze
Manufacturer: Routledge
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1884964214

Book Description

This remarkable book profiles some 550 painters, sculptors, photographers, and women in all areas of the arts. Each illustrated entry includes a biography of the artist, a bibliography and a signed interpretive essay by one of 300 contributors from 20 countries. Essays concentrate on the artist's work, discussing specific pieces that exemplify the artist's style and activity while placing her work in an historical context. Introductory surveys focus on training and the changing conditions for women artists since the Middle Ages.

Edward Ruscha: Catalogue Raisonné of the Paintings. Volume Two: 19711982

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Edward Ruscha: Catalogue Raisonné of the Paintings. Volume Two: 19711982
Reyner Banham , Peter Wollen , and Ed Ruscha
Manufacturer: Steidl/Gagosian
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3865211380
Release Date: 2005-08-15

Book Description

The Catalogue Raisonn of the Paintings of Ed Ruscha is a six-volume series of books co-published by Steidl and Gagosian Gallery. This is the second volume, which contains entries on 178 paintings completed between 1971 and 1982--from the artist's crisis at the onset of the 70s, when he "quits painting pictures," to his first major museum retrospective, which opened in March 1982 at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The catalogue includes a comprehensive exhibition history, bibliography and biographical chronology, as well as a preface by the Editor Robert Dean, an essay by UCLA Film Historian Peter Wollen examining Ruscha's use of color as it relates to his use of language, and an essay by the late Reyner Banham. Each volume of the catalogue, designed by Bruce Mau, has a stitched binding and a cloth cover with silver-colored embossing protected by an embossed slipcase. Specifications for subsequent volumes are the same.

The Cambridge History of African and Caribbean Literature Two Volume Hardback Set

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The Cambridge History of African and Caribbean Literature Two Volume Hardback Set
F. Abiola Irele , and Simon Gikandi
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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African | History & Criticism | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0521594340

Book Description

Featuring new perspectives on African and Caribbean literature, this History explores the scope of the literature (variety of languages, regions and genres); nature of composition; and complex relationship with African social and geo-political history. It comprehensively covers the field of African literature, defined by creative expression in Africa as well as the black diaspora. This major history of African literature will be an essential resource for specialists and students.

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Art Across Time
Very informative and terrific images

Art across Time, Volume Two
Laurie Schneider Adams
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill College
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0697274802

Book Description

Art Across Time is a comprehensive art history text that engages the mind of the reader by considering the place of images within the cultures that create them, even as it engages the eye with fabulous color reproductions that are two- and three-times the size of comparable images in other textbooks.

Broadening the scope of her popular one-volume History of Western Art, Adams has integrated "Windows on the World" sections throughout the text to address the art, artists, and cultures of societies the world over. Furthermore, she has expanded the number of artists and artworks discussed to provide a fuller picture of western art for a full-year course. Maps, timelines, "materials and methods" boxes, literary excerpts, and artist biographies offer a multi-dimensional look at each period. These additions, combined with an approach that stresses current scholarship and methodologies, result in a vivid account of the history of art that will inform and entertain students.

Customer Reviews:

Art Across Time.......2002-01-23

The vastness of the world art subject is daunting but I believe that Laurie Schneider Adams in Art Across Time successfully covers the most crucial aspects including areas of non-western art. Such examples as Mughal Art and the Baroque or 19th Century Impressionism and Japanese Prints or Gauguin and Oceania in Post Impressionism are invaluable for their strategic placing and representation of non-western models. There are also highlighted tables throughout the book about contextual history as is the one on Scientific Experiment in the Enlightenment. Furthermore, the introductory chapter contains key issues about art as well as stylistic terminology, and art historical methodologies which are a necessary part of art history for beginners. The plates are beautiful and are accompanied at times with plans and maps that are useful aids in the teaching process. The Art Across Time, volume one and two, are extremely important to those college instructors teaching Survey in two semesters, but the volumes are also useful separately. Schneider Adams writes in a flowing discourse that is facile for the undergraduate to understand and explains difficult ideas in precise, well organized formats that are easily assimilated. To be sure there are tiny flaws in Schneider-Adams' Art Across Time, but the book comes as close to perfection as one can get given the magnitude of this area. Finally, the publisher is extremely helpful to instructors providing such teaching aids as cds, slides and the images on the web for wireless environment classroom teaching.

Very informative and terrific images.......2000-04-06

After using Gardner's Art Through the Ages and Janson's History of Art for several years I found this book to be very refreshing. The sections on Eastern countries (India, China, Japan), although small, are better in introducing subjects not previously addressed in early Art History introductory texts. The inclusion of other historical elements adds to the text as well-such as the status of women in particular societies and information about different religions.

Encyclopedia of Asian Theatre [Two Volumes]

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Encyclopedia of Asian Theatre [Two Volumes]
Samuel L. Leiter
Manufacturer: Greenwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Performing Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 031333529X

Book Description

From puppets to living players and musical speech to colloquial prose, Asian theatre is a rich world of contrasting expressions. While it has thrived for centuries and embodies the folk traditions of the Asian people, it also reflects contemporary concerns and innovative theatrical practices. At a time when Asia is of tremendous importance to the West, its theatre is a key to understanding its culture as well as the heritage of Asian Americans. This book is a detailed and authoritative survey of traditional and contemporary Asian theatre. The Encyclopedia includes hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries written by more than 90 expert contributors. In addition, it draws upon the expertise of a distinguished advisory board, including:

Matthew Isaac Cohen

Richard A. Frasca

John K. Gillespie

Craig Latrell

Ruru Li

Colin Mackerras

Sreenath K. Nair

And Richard Nichols. Entries cover individuals, regional theatres, dramatic forms and genres, and a wide range of special topics, including:

Actors and Acting

Ebrahim Alkazi

Bangladesh

Bodabil

Cambodia

Censorship

Costumes

Dagelan

Dance in the Theatre

Rukmani Devi

Directors and Directing

Experimental Theatre

Festival Theatre

Folk Theatre

Gigaku

Hong Kong

Ichimura Uzaemon

India

Indonesia

Jingju

Kabuki

Macao

Malaysia

Mongolia

Music and Musical Instruments

Nepal

North Korea

Politics and Theatre

Puppet Theatre

Religion in Theatre

Zorah Segal

Singapore

Tibet

Vietnam

Women in Asian Theatre

And many more. Entries on the most important topics cite works for further reading, and the Encyclopedia closes with an extensive bibliography. Social studies students will appreciate its glimpses of Asian culture, while literature and drama students will value its exploration of the Asian theatrical tradition. FEATURES AND BENEFITS:

Includes hundreds of alphabetically arranged entries written by more than 90 expert contributors.

Covers individuals, genres and forms, regional theatres, and special topics.

Cites numerous works for further reading.

Includes extensive cross-references.

Helps social studies students learn about Asian culture and history.

Helps literature and drama students learn about the vast Asian theatrical tradition.

Fosters a respect for cultural diversity.

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Art History Vol. I
Excellent Art Historical Survey Book and Source for Further Reading
Absolutely Fabulous-A Must Have for ANY Art Historian!
One thick book.
Art History (Study Guide)

Art History, Volume Two
Marilyn Stokstad
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0130918504

Amazon.com

This attractively packaged two-volume set attempts an almost impossible task: to present the art of the entire world, from vibrant cave paintings dating back 30,000 years to the creative trends of the late 20th century. Though the arts of Europe are the most thoroughly analyzed, respected scholars in several specialized fields cover other cultures with cogent essays. A more unusual feature is the space devoted to art created by women, such as the late-Renaissance painters Sofonisba Anguissola and Lavinia Fontana--the latter was invited in 1560 to be an official painter at the Spanish court. Relationships between the art of different cultures are emphasized and, while each section can stand alone, each is shown to fit meaningfully into the overall development of the world's artistic heritage. Beautiful images grace the production's 1,200 pages, not only well-known icons but a wealth of lesser-known gems are here, carefully chosen to demonstrate the points made in the text. There are many delightful surprises among the illustrations, many of which are in color, printed to high quality standards in Japan. For instance, line drawings explain technical details, from "Lost-wax Bronze-casting" to "Elements of the Skyscraper." A vast amount of information is presented, but it is very well organized and easy to access, and an extensive glossary answers many questions. Marilyn Stokstad's Art History is a true tour de force, and its light and humanistic approach is a refreshing change from previous encyclopedic art-historical studies. --John Stevenson

Book Description

"The scope and depth are unparalleled," raved Midwest Journal when Marilyn Stokstad's Art History appeared in 1995. Booklist wrote: "Stokstad's sense of the grand continuity of art through time and across oceans make this an exceptional, thoroughly enjoyable survey."

Now this landmark work, with its unique perspective on art in the context of the period in which it was created, is thoroughly revised and updated with heavily reworked sections on the Renaissance and Baroque periods and on Modern art. The exciting changes also include: a completely new design providing greater clarity in the narrative and boxed materials; larger illustrations with a greater proportion in full color; and hundreds of new pictures including recently restored artworks and monuments.

With its fine cloth binding and ribboned slipcase, this authoritative family reference on world art and culture is a luxurious and significant addition to any home library.
1,295 illustrations, 914 in full color, 1,312 pages, 85/8 x 111/2"

Customer Reviews:

Art History Vol. I.......2007-08-22

This book was great! The major ancient civilizations were covered. The photos and drawings are fantastic. Lacking are the non-European civilizations (such as African art) in the amount of information provided. Some civilizations are a mere one or two paragraphs in length before a new topic is introduced.

Excellent Art Historical Survey Book and Source for Further Reading.......2007-05-14

Although large and weighty, the book is beautifully packaged and binded. The quality of the text is certainly worth the cost. Stokstad's Art History briefly covers the history of art from pre-historic to contemporary early 21st century art. The types of art range from medieval to roccoco with several chapters covering non-western art (Chinese, Japanese, African, Pre-Columbian, etc..). In addition to the wide range of material, the author provides a text that is an excellent source of definitions for art terms and a substantial bibiliography. Although it is only a survey of a variety of art, the bibiliography is an excellent source for locating other texts for further reading on the topic of your interest.

Most importantly, the cd-rom that comes with the book contains both a study guide and the images of the excellent illustrations which are found throughout of text.

Absolutely Fabulous-A Must Have for ANY Art Historian!.......2007-04-25

I was instructed to buy this book for my art history class here at Concordia College. I initially cringed at the price, but after purchasing the oversized book I was amazed at what I saw. The glossy, large pictures are surrounded by information that you wouldn't find anywhere online. It's written intelligently, but you don't feel as though you were being spoken down to. The images are high quality and can be accessed on the CDRom, and the information is extremely useful and easy to understand. I didn't feel like I was reading a textbook when I used this book, in fact I found myself reading some of it for fun (as nerdy as that might sound). All in all it's a fabulous book that any student or art historian should at least take a look at. It's worth the price!

One thick book........2007-02-23

This book is chocked full of good art history information from the cave paintings in Lascaux to pieces from the early 2000's (nothing from the early 2000's that I'm familiar with, but there is a bit included). There are plenty of good pictures included in the book, and the CD-ROM seems like it would be really helpful for studying slides for art history tests, although i haven't done that yet. This book is pricey, yet its a good reference book for all those into art and art history. (plus its fun to look at even for those who aren't really into art (a good coffee table book after you've forgotten how much it cost??)) Well written material so I would recommend buying it if you are serious about art history.

Art History (Study Guide).......2006-03-01

I am very satisfied with the item, and it delived so quckly.

Social Dancing in America [Two Volumes]: A History and Reference

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I Found This "GREAT" Review!
Author's Comments

Social Dancing in America [Two Volumes]: A History and Reference
Ralph G. Giordano
Manufacturer: Greenwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 031333756X

Book Description

This two-volume set relates the history of the most popular social dances, where they began, which dances survived the test of time and why, and what attracted American men and women to social dancing in these periods. Unlike other books on social dancing that taught people "How to Dance," this set not only describes the dances, but also how and why Americans danced. This two-volume set is the most comprehensive examination of American social dance from the first settlements in 1607 through the birth of the nation in 1776 and into the beginning of the 21st century.Social Dancing in America encompasses the global nature of the ethnic contributions to the formation of many unique American social dances. Those influences included American Indian, Spanish, Caribbean, African, European, and other ethnic cultures that created original American social dances such as the Lindy Hop, Rock 'n' Roll, the Twist, Disco, Breakdancing, and Hip-Hop. The set is also a celebration of the American spirit embodied among everyday individuals as they danced for fun, recreation, and family celebrations such as weddings. Social Dancing in America places social dancing in a historical, social, cultural, and political context. Volume 1 explores the integral role that social dancing played in the lives of Americans from the first settlements in 1607 through the the 19th century, often in the most unlikely of ways. For example, readers may be surprised to learn that George Washington was a well-known aficionado of social dancing, and that he incorporated the etiquette and manners of dances such as the Minuet as a means of diplomacy to secure European allies during the Revolutionary War. After his death, Americans continued to celebrate his birthday with a grand ball that included dancing. Volume 2 places social dance in a 20th-Century context, illustrating how social dancing itself paralled the social, economic, and cultural traditions of each era. For example, segregation and the "Jim Crow" mentality was cemented in place all over the United States, and for much of the century, dancing and dance halls were strictly segregated. Segregation forced a mass migration north, and with it came the transformation of Delta Blues music into an American original--Jazz. Jazz gave birth to the Charleston, and later evolved into Swing, which created the Lindy Hop. Later, with the advent of television, programming such as American Bandstand, Soul Train, Dance Fever, and MTV greatly influenced dance styles and modern trends such as Rock 'n' Roll, Freestyle, Disco, Breakdancing, and Hip-Hop.

Customer Reviews:

I Found This "GREAT" Review!.......2007-08-18

Lawrence Looks at Books: Gale Virtual Reference Library

Professional architect-turned-social historian Ralph Giordano has transformed his enthusiasm for dancing into an entertaining survey of this popular social activity. The author divides his history of American dance into 11 periods of varying length. He devotes the most detail to the twentieth century with essays describing periods from 10-20 years. For each chapter, an introduction details the chief political and social movements of the time. A second section enumerates and describes both styles and particular dances, frequently including specific steps. "Places to Dance," describes the settings where dances might occur from assembly rooms and cotillions to dance halls, discos and clubs. The encouragement of dance by developing media like film, radio and television is also described. The portrait that emerges is not simply a sketch of popular pastimes, but a narrative of debates over religious doctrines and changing mores, as well as the development of new means of communication, media and entertainment. From the Virginia reel, the waltz and the polka to the Charleston, the twist and breakdancing, each new dance and musical movement reflected changes in attitudes and cultural perceptions. Giordano captures both the enthusiasm and concern these changes caused a variety of people at many times in our history. His guide is well illustrated and his text makes frequent reference to sources listed in the wide-ranging general bibliography. Each volume is separately indexed and includes period-specific bibliographies. Supplementary materials include a filmography by type of dance plus a list of online dance manuals. This detailed survey will serve both academic and public libraries.

Author's Comments.......2007-02-04

As the author, I definitely wanted to write a scholarly contribution to the very much overlooked American cultural development of Social dancing, however, I wanted to present it in a writing style that would appeal to the average individual. I have discovered in my time within dance clubs, especially the swing dances, that many individuals enjoy dressing in period costume and are quite interested in the history of their favored dance style. So as it turns out, to date this is the first book of its kind that has put together both a general interest reader and a scholarly work that discusses social dancing in a complete social, cultural, economic, political, and historical context. Many social dance books of the period simply provided descriptions and step-by-step instructions on "how to dance" as opposed to why people dance. My book also provides a consistent theme that contemporary dances and the associated music and fashion were more often attacked by forces of social morality and often labeled the newest dance trend as "scandalous."

This book is not a book to teach people "How to Dance" there are literally thousands of publications and hundreds of dance studios available to do just that. This book is an attempt to provide a clear understanding of what was involved in the basic patterns and rhythms of the dance, the origins, the popularity, but most importantly to place each in a historical and social context. This book is about the dances themselves and their importance in a social context. Therefore, each chapter contains a brief introduction of the social, political, and cultural climate. The book is about how individual Americans; mainly couples interacted in a social dance setting.

Humanities In Western Culture, Volume Two

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PERFECT!

Humanities In Western Culture, Volume Two
Robert C. Lamm
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Humanities/Social Sciences/Languages
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0697254291

Book Description

Based on the popular two-volume Humanities in Western Culture: A Search for Human Values, this brief edition contains all of the chapters from Volumes I and II with abridged literary selections. The lavishly produced artwork that is a hallmark of the larger books is faithfully reproduced in the pages of the brief edition.

For use in one-semester Western humanities courses.

Customer Reviews:

PERFECT!.......2007-05-13

More than what I expected! Every artist should have one - it relates history periods to cultures then units all the arts together so you can have perfect understanding of it as a whole. Really fantastic! Full of information!

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