Art Historians Books

The Detective As Historian: History And Art In Historical Crime Fiction is a fascinating and informative compendium of twenty-five essays which analyze and evaluate examples of crime fiction ranging throughout recorded history from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, to medieval Europe, to 19th century England and America. A unique, scholarly, thought provoking, and welcome addition to literary studies in general, and detective story enthusiast's reading lists in particular, The Detective As Historian is a very highly recommended acquisition for both academic and community library collections.

(See 1998 edition--which is vigorously in print.)

HOLLYWOOD AS HISTORIAN is a widely-used
textbook with essays from the silent era
to Vietnam. In a world fascinated by the
connections between culture and movies, it
is a perfect launch pad for students and
general readers. (Be sure to get the 2nd
edition, published in 1998.)

This collection places the following films
in a cultural context:
The Birth of a Nation (1915)
The Plow That Broke the Plains (1936)
The River (1937)
Three by Chaplin: City Lights(1931),
Modern Times (1936),The Great Dictator (1941)
The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
Wilson (1944)
The Negro Soldier (1944)
The Snake Pit (1948)
On the Waterfront (1954)
Dr. Strangelove (1964)
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?(1966)
Apocalypse Now (1979)

The book closes with a review of sources of
print and video materials.

This book is a classic of its kind and is
used in classrooms across the country. Yet
it is good reading for anyone serious about
the study of motion pictures in relation to
American Studies. A new edition came out in 1998 and is in ready availability.

More information about underlining methodology at this address:

www.filmandhistory.org

Although the title is misleading since only three major Latin historians are really considered (Sallust, Livy and Tacitus, with a short chapter devoted on other first century AD Latin historians), the book provides an excellent and fresh introduction to the above mentioned authors

I'm surprised that this important book hasn't had a customer review before now. Published in 1986 to coincide with an exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum and if you look in the bibliography of any book about
Moderne/Streamline design in America you'll find it mentioned. I would consider it the definitive book about the subject. Jeffrey Meikle's Twentieth Century Limited: Industrial Design in America, 1925-1939; Second Edition, with a New Preface and Enhanced Photographs (American Civilization) and Donald Bush's The Streamlined Decade are both excellent books about the thirties design but I think the strength of `The Machine Age' is the breadth of coverage.

Architecture, vehicles and speed lines on household products were the visual manifestations of streamline for most people at the time but the authors go further to consider the style in an artistic, social and aesthetic context. Dickran Tashjian's chapter `Engineering a New Art' sums it up beautifully.

Another reason I've always enjoyed the book is because it looks so good. With more than four hundred illustrations printed (in 175dpi) on good paper in a design that nicely reflects the subject. From cover to cover Streamline lives on.

To complement The Machine Age have a look at these two wonderful books: American Modern, 1925-1940: Design for a New Age and American Streamlined Design: The World of Tomorrow. Both are essentially visual books that concentrate on products using stunning photography.

***FOR AN INSIDE LOOK click 'customer images' under the cover.

When this book appeared in 1959, it revolutionized the writing of Lebanese history as it offered a revised version of the history of Maronites, a Christian sect originally following the Eastern rite but switching later to follow the Roman Catholic Church. The topic was the subject of Salibi's PhD dissertation at the University of London.
According to Salibi, the first account of Maronite history came in the form of popular poetry when a certain 15th century Maronite poet/historian with a name Ibn al-Qilaii provided the first such verion of his community's roots and origin. The second more interesting and more controversial Maronite historian was the community's patriarch, Estfan Duweihi.
According to Duweihi, the Maronites were never of an origin stock. Duweihi, the 18th century Maornite patriarch, claimed that Saint Maron, the presumed 5th century founder of the sect, was the nephew of 9th century French King Charlemagne. Apparently, the confusion in establishing dates never occurred to Duweihi who for most probably political reasons, rewrote his community's account in a way that best fit it politically at the time. This was the time when the Maronites were seeking foreign French support facing the Middle East's Muslim majority.
Salibi argues with skill that most of the Maronites who documented the history of their community did so with a political agenda in the back of their minds, rendering their accounts mostly inaccurate. Instead, Salibi believes that the Maronites come from a pure Arab stock and had, in ancient times, emigrated from the southern region of Yemen heading to the Syrian coast (which includes Syrian, Lebanon and Palestine).
Salibi's version of the Maronite history was seen unfavorable by the Maornite church. Salibi's debates with religious scholars on this and other similar issues are well known.

This was one of those books that I didn't want to finish because I was enjoying it so much. The plot was a bit complex but interesting and compelling. As well, there was a lot of fascinating historical fact woven in to the fictional story. The character development was sufficient without wasting a lot of time on background.

An easy read without losing it's edge, this mystery novel has plenty of action to hold the reader until the climax.

Irving Sandler is one of the few critics who wrote on the abstract expressionists and then went on to write on art made after 1958. He is the best example for young scholars because of his openness to new art, no matter how challenging. For young scholars interested in postwar art, here is a person who lived through it. His belief in the necessariness of government funding for difficult and controversial art is an excellent prescription for the existence of art in the social sphere, no matter how troubled the times may be. I would recommend that the reader consult his other books before tackling his memoirs, because this volume reads as a nice behind the scenes take on his experiences in the artworld. Sandler's outlook on art is essential for the young scholar. Art for him does not necessarily have to challenge or shock, but work that does not sit well still requires attention. With the over-specialization that plagues the field of art historical scholarship, Sandler offers a nice example for those who like art from more than one decade. Along with other writers, he inspired me to be an art historian, and his outlook towards art in general helps inform my day to day thoughts on contemporary art, with its rapidly changing discourse and innumerable talents. Thanks for all your great work, Professor Sandler!

Using prime sources like Xenophon's Kyropaideia, Agesilaos, The Constitution of Lacedaemonians, Ways and Means, The Cavalry Commander, The Art of Horsemanship, On Hunting, Anabasis, Hellenika, Memorabilia and Oikonomikos and also Plutarch's Agesilaos, Pelopidas, Lysander, Alkibiades and Artaxerxes, Mr Godfrey Hutchinson does an excellent job analysing the ancient art of command, the lessons of hard experience and what they teach us today (the value of innovative thinking is proved at the case of the Thebans who smashed the famous Spartan phalanx at Tegyra, Leuctra and Mantineia). Xenophon was a really gifted person who started the campaign to Persia in the army of Cyrus the Younger, only to turn a general by the vote of his colleagues, when the Greek leadership was massacred by treachery. He not only managed to lead the Ten Thousand back to safety but also revealed a keen eye for tactics and strategy, writing down his experiences for posterity and even describing his ideal commander. Many of his suggestions found their way later in Alexander's operational art, shattering the Persian Empire for centuries. The reader will be surprised to find out how many problems of today's armies were also faced by the ancients and how they chose to solve them. Mr Hutchinson also uses heavily Sun Tzu's writings and compares them (together with modern manuals on operational art) with those of the Greeks. There are some good diagrams on the most important battles which Xenophon describes and also some black and white photos. The book is a real gem and it is certainly worth reading.

For anyone interested in life, history, phychology, culture ...the human experience...this is a "must". Joseph Campbell articulates how the underlying currents of our experience(internal & external)are reflected both individually and in masses through our mythology; where we've come from and where we're going. He does so with the expertise of a teacher who has the ability to reach into everyone from the novice to the expert and inject excitement into the subject.

I spent many years as a person of faith before I encountered the perspective that I now identify with Joseph Campbell. The guiding idea of this book, as well as his work overall, is that of discovering the deep principles that are at work in the myths or stories of all cultures. He has challenged me to think anew about the "myth of Christianity" and how it is, in the words of Gordon Kaufman of Harvard Divinity School, "an imaginative human construct."

The most intriguing discussion of the book is reported as a conversation of Campbell with Bill Moyers. In response to Campbell's assertion that he was seeeking "for a centering in terms of deep pinciples," Moyers said, "You are talking about a search for the meaning of life." But Campbell would have none of that. He responds, "No! I am talking about the experience of being alive! People say that what we're seeking is a meaning in life. I don't think that is what we are really seeking. I think that what we are seeking is the experience of being alive so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances within our own innermost being and reality so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive."

At this point I want to disagree with Campbell, a choice I make with trepidation. What he is saying doesn't seem anything more than the "will to pleasure," with a dash of ecstasy through in as flavoring. Epicurus didn't convince me and Campbell isn't succeeding either.

But because I have such a genuine respect for the thrust of Campbell's work I knew that I had to think again about the question of the source of meaning. Who is right -- Freud or Adler or Frankl or Campbell? I tend to side with Frankl but there is reason to give other perspectives their due. I understand Campbell's assertion to mean that the "will to pleasure" or "the rapture of being allive" is the heart of the human experience. I doubt that he or Freud can defend that view successfully in a world of such misery. It's a view that is more hopeful than realistic. Not convincing. The darker side of human nature is rejected. Or, at minimun, ignored. Yet the fact that I was confronted in such a way that I had to think my perspective through again is a STRONG recommendation of this book! Read it and enjoy it. The fact it was written several years ago as a report of a television program doesn't lessen its value. Along with "the new cosmology" and the "Jesus Seminar," Campbell's notion of myth has had "a revolutionary impact" on me.

I found this book to be quite interesting and running the gamut between challengeing one's ideas about life to how we actually fit in life. This book is packed with life wisdom. The books format is a question and answer format with Joseph Campbell who clearly has spent his life studying the myths which man has chosen to live by. I can see why some people get unglued when they read this book for it is hard to have one's view so closely examined in an objective manner rather than a subjective one. I found I was able to read through it quickly and really understand what the author intended. Give it read, you won't be disapointed.

He has answers to your quest. He does not wait, does not think twice, does not vary in his statements but he answers all your questions. The questions that you had been asking yourself about the purpose of your being in this world, questions about nature, questions about what is right and what is wrong.

Different people can have different uses for Joseph Campbell's study about mythology. If Stephen Spielberg and George Lucas can create movies out of it, you or anyone else can understand the power that mythology have had in the history of human life. An author like Dave Lakhani can refer Joseph Campbell's work when he is talking about Storytelling concept (marketing). That is entirely your own perception (like always) however the point is that this book is a must read. Even if you do not read the book but do get acquainted with the concept of mythology and storytelling and it's relation to human behavior. You would be presented with great insights and would smile on many occasions.

This is a work of a scholar, hence, how I review should not matter. Also, would try to focus on one point. The review is not just about the book but the entire concept of Mythologies. The reference to Buddha, Mohammad, Christ who understood mythologies and it is said that they used the concept to convey their message to the masses. If you are seeking information about persuasion, grow up from persuading an individual to persuading masses to lead them to what is right. This is where Mythology comes into picture. At one instance, he even mentions that Mythologies are neither truth nor lies but it is something that is generated out of the day to day problems that individuals faced in history and even today.

"How to live a human life under any circumstances, only myths can tell you that." excerpt from the interview.

My next book in reading is his another great work "The Hero with 1000 faces." It is a journey of how heros are formed in Mythologies and the real hero that exists within all or us.

It isn't often that one comes across a book that can be referenced again and again. This is probably best described as broad overview of the late Joseph Campbell's best work. For those who are not familiar with the scholar's previous works, including the world renowned "Hero with a Thousand Faces" (which has also been reviewed), this work covers the vast expanse of Campbell's ideas and research over the course of his lifetime. The volumes of his scholarly work may be a bit intimidating to the uninitiated, but for the casual reader who would like a taste of mythology, psychology, art and religion, this work is a great and welcome piece that should belong in every philosopher's library. The conversational style of the writing is very accessable and makes the reader feel as if they are privy to a private talk with the man himself. The breadth of knowledge and humor with which Campbell presents his material is a great way for readers to get the sense of what a lecture from the man was like. This book is the definative work on the subject and has even been condensed down to the bare bones elements by Hollywood screenwriters and playwrights. This work is also available in audio format and on DVD. Overall, a wonderful introduction to Joseph Campbell and his ideas.

The fifth and final book in the Vicky Bliss series finds Vicky on a cruise down the Nile with John and his new bride. Vicky is understandably upset and confused- she was sent here to stop the Cairo Museum from being robbed. Is everything as it seems?

This is a satisfying end to my favorite series by Elizabeth Peters. The story is entertaining and unpredictable. Many loose ends are tied up, and although I would wish for more stories starring Vicky and John, the story is wrapped up well. I definitely recommend it.

I love this author. Her writing is whitty, and intelligent. I am also a great fan of her other mystery series.

I have no idea where do those 5 stars from the numerous reviews come from. This book is closer to a soap opera then to a serious mystery novel. It reminds me little of M.C. Beaton novels, only that in my opinion those are significantly more enjoyable to read. Perhaps it has been a mistake to start with a 5th book in the series, if the 1st book in the series comes my way I will give it a try, if only to verify that the rest is not much better then the 5th. I guess these books are targeted towards female audience.
On the other thought, I might give this author miss in a future it took a considerable effort to get to the end of this book. Not my cup of tea.

I am new to reading mysteries outside of those written by agatha christie. I picked up this book because I was intrigued to read about a smart and clever art historian as detective and also because this book seemed to get so many good reviews.

I am close to the end but so far it has been a total letdown. ugh!!! vicky is a big blond ditz who spends more time worrying about her hair and clothes than in learning about the suspects she is hired to find or about the art treasure she gets to visit. (there is very little info on the artwork at all, which was a letdown as I am a nerd and like learning about that stuff.)

vicky is not a sleuth! she needs to get rescued by a big strong man left and right. she can't figure out anything for herself. everything is spelled out for her, and for the reader, except that I was pretty much able to guess the guilty parties from the start. it isn't that hard!

the big mystery here is wondering why we are following such a vacant vicky around? why not a character who is informed and observes things?

the soap opera romance is cliche. this book is a bit of a letdown if you are hoping for a gripping intelligent thriller.

reader beware!

Where, oh where, is another Vicky Bliss novel? Although I'm a major fan of the Amelia Peabody series, beginning with Crocodile On A Sandbank, I'm also a fan of Vicky Bliss (is it just me, or do others find her last name amusing, given her determination to be taken seriously?). Vicky and her fellow characters are an incredible bunch, and I've always enjoyed her adventures. This time it's off to Egypt, where she begins to doubt her own sanity, and as always, the sincerity of her some time lover, John Smythe. But fear not, gentle reader, all will be explained. Usually with the wit and humor this series is famous for. Elizabeth Peters writes wonderfully amusing dialogue, and the scenes crackle. My only complaint is that we haven't seen Vicky in a long time, and I, for one, miss this series. This one is a roller coaster in the manner of Indiana Jones. Don't miss this one, it's a real treat for fans!