4/18/22

I picked up this book some years back when I was writing an Art column. I thought it might be a good source of info. I finally got around to reading it starting last year. I've taken my time due to the quantity of information in it.

Van Loon starts with the Stone Age and ends in 1937. He covers two-dimensional and three-dimensional arts, architecture, music of all ages and then some. What is enjoyable is that his style is more conversational than dry and pedantic. He gives you facts but in a way that is entertaining and informing.

I found it interesting to read his take on some of the various art styles, especially ones that were fairly recent on the scene at that time, and then to be at a later date to see what had happened with them. Also his style lends itself to using the book to re-read items that pique your interest and maybe make you want to do some research. That is the reason for his writing this long 677 page book.

Van Loon also has included illustrations he created to add colour and visuals. Some are black and white and some have colour. They do help to break up the massive amount of text in the book.

Van Loon had a pretty solid background from studying at Cornell, working for the Associated Press as an international correspondent and later taking a Ph. D degree in Munich and returning to the U.S. to lecture on history and art. Born in Holland, he spent the majority of his life in the U.S.

I wouldn't have minded having this for my Art History book in college instead of the tome of boredom I had. ( )

Qué es arte, el arte en Egipto, en el periodo prehelénico, en los griegos hasta Strauss, Brahms y Debussy.

Dr. Barbara Newman told me she read this as a child and identified with the sketch of van Loon's children (whom he was in fact in the prcess of deserting, according to his son's account)

This book introduces visual and aural arts through the ages and by distinct areas of the world. This edition has been cheerfully illustrated by Mr. Van Loon. ( )