A World of Art

By Henry M. Sayre and Sayre Henry M.

Book Overview

This captivating exploration of the history of art in the West and throughout the world is designed to help readers develop a true appreciation of art. Featuring a diverse range of works of art, this book teaches that creating art, far from an exceptional act of genius, is a process of critical thinking and problem solving. Engages readers as participants in the processes of art. Works in Progress two-page spreads throughout the book express the creative process that inspired specific works of art, and works under examination include Vincent van Gogh's Sower , Bill Viola's The Greeting , Frank Lloyd Webber's Fallingwater , and others. Illustrates the geographical and historical world in which the art under discussion has been created. Offers discussion on architecture, design, and the traditional arts and crafts. For anyone interested in learning how to develop an appreciation for the history of art in the West and throughout the world.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0139538453
• ISBN13: 9780139538452
• Release Date: January 1994
• Publisher: Prentice Hall College Div
• Length: 516 Pages
• Weight: 3.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 11.0"

Customer Reviews

A Great Introduction to Art!

A World of Art by Henry Sayre is meant to give individuals their first exposure to art and art history. This is the textbook I use for my Art 101 course and it fills that purpose exceptionally well. The book is broken down into 5 segments with a total of 22 chapters. Part One: The Visual World - is about understanding the art one comes across. Chapters in this section discuss themes found in art, the value we give to art, and developing a literacy in order to explain the art around us. Personally, I feel that the subject matter in this section is pretty deep for someone new to the field and suggest beginning with Part Two. Part Two: The Formal Elements And Their Design - deals with the basic elements of art, particularly to how they relate to the artist. Chapters in this section discuss elements such as line, space, color and general design principles. A good introductory chapter to begin with. Part Three: The Fine Arts Media - reviews the different ways art is created. Chapters are broken down by media such as drawing, printmaking, painting, photography, and sculpture. Part Four: The Visual Arts In Everyday Life - is a very small section revolving around architecture and design. It reviews a few of the art historical movements such as art nouveau and art deco. Part Five: The Visual Record - is a chronological look at art throughout the ages beginning with primitive (cave art) and ending with the twentieth century. The book varies from the 4th edition in its incorporation of 100 new images (quite a lot considering it is a 500 page book). The author places special focus on artwork from women, minority and non-Western cultures, along with showing the cornerstone pieces of art from the Western world. There are a few mistakes in the text (hence a 6th edition I am sure), and some better terminology should have been used (i.e. using the term "fabrics" when in fact he should have used the more correct term "textiles"). Overall it is a very good book, it is a smooth read and has many color images on nearly every page.

taking praxis II ?

This book is an ultimate study guide for the Praxis II art content exam! It gives you everything from art history to photography to printmaking... It is an excellent survey of technique, elements and principles, as well as chronlogical history. The only thing it lacks is a few more "contemporary names" from the 40's through today.

Excellent Overview of Art and Art History

Excellent overview of art history, major movements, and various media. Both the western and global development of art are included. The accompanying cd has artwork "flash cards" as well as video clips illustrating how various media are used. This book was the required text for my university course, but I will also be using it with my children as a homeschool resource. Some discernment and parental input will be required using it with younger children.

Art was Boring.

Until I got this book for Fine art appreciation, I didnt think much about art. Now I cant hardly put it down, which is good considering that I have to read the whole thing for class. I cant think of a better way to present the material.

Next Best Thing

If Jantzen's view of art history seems lifeless and distant, Henry Sayre has something to say to you. It's the best survey I've seen in terms of making art accessible and demonstrating a continuing tradition. The CD-ROM is an excellent bonus, especially for readers who have never seen an artist at work. Ever wonder how a print is made? There's a demonstration.