Gardner's Art Through the Ages, Volume II, Chapters 19-34 (with Artstudy Student CD-ROM and Infotrac) [With CDROM and Infotrac] : Book Review

"Gardner's Art Through the Ages Volume II: Chapters 19-34" by Helen Gardner is a captivating and comprehensive book that immerses readers in the rich history of art from the late Gothic period to the contemporary era. This volume not only offers insightful information but is also accompanied by valuable resources like the Artstudy Student CD-ROM and Infotrac, enhancing the learning experience.

Helen Gardner takes us on a fascinating journey through time, exploring various artistic movements, styles, and influential artists. From the Renaissance to Baroque, Neoclassicism to Romanticism, and Impressionism to Abstract Expressionism, this book covers a wide range of periods, shedding light on their significant contributions to the art world. Gardner's writing style is highly engaging, making it accessible for readers of all backgrounds, be it art enthusiasts or students studying the subject.

One of the standout features of this book is the inclusion of high-quality images and illustrations. These visuals not only serve to illuminate the discussions but also allow readers to truly appreciate and analyze the artworks being described. Furthermore, the Artstudy Student CD-ROM provides an interactive digital platform that enables readers to delve deeper into the art, enriching the learning experience.

The incorporation of Infotrac is another valuable aspect of this book. By providing access to a plethora of additional resources like articles, images, and videos, readers can further explore specific topics and expand their knowledge. This feature makes "Gardner's Art Through the Ages Volume II" an invaluable tool for research and academic purposes.

In conclusion, Helen Gardner's "Gardner's Art Through the Ages Volume II: Chapters 19-34" is a superb resource for anyone interested in art history. With its comprehensive coverage, engaging writing style, and supplementary materials, it offers readers a solid foundation for understanding and appreciating the evolution of art over time. Whether you are a student, an art lover, or simply curious about the subject, this book is a valuable addition to any library.

What are readers saying?

"Gardner's Art Through the Ages: Volume II, Chapters 19-34" by Helen Gardner has received a range of feedback from readers. Many readers appreciate the book for its comprehensive coverage of art history. They find the content well-organized, with detailed explanations and analyses of artworks from various periods. The book's inclusion of a CD-ROM and Infotrac is also praised, as it provides additional resources and enhances the learning experience. Art students and enthusiasts consider this book a valuable reference that helps deepen their understanding of art throughout history.

However, there are readers who express dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the book. Some reviewers find the writing style to be dense and overly academic, making it difficult to engage with the content. They believe the book is better suited for academic purposes rather than casual reading. Additionally, a few readers mention that the book's focus on Western art history neglects the contributions and perspectives of non-Western cultures.

Critiques are also made regarding the format of the CD-ROM and Infotrac. Several reviewers note that these supplemental materials are outdated and not user-friendly. Technical difficulties and limited compatibility with modern devices hinder the accessibility and usefulness of these resources.

Despite the mixed reviews, many readers still find value in "Gardner's Art Through the Ages: Volume II, Chapters 19-34." They appreciate the book's extensive coverage of art history and Helen Gardner's detailed explanations. However, some readers caution that the book's academic writing style and outdated supplemental materials may be drawbacks for certain readers.