Encyclopedia of Art for Young People

Zaczek, Iain; Beckett, Rachel; Allan, Tony; Chilvers, Ian; Peebles, Alice

ISBN 10: 0791094774 ISBN 13: 9780791094778

Publisher: Chelsea House Pub, 2008

"Encyclopedia of Art for Young People" is an eight-volume set, arranged chronologically, that celebrates the rich history of art in an appealing and accessible format. Using full-color reproductions of well-known masterpieces and in-depth coverage of the life and times of pivotal artists, this colorful new work provides a solid first reference for the general student of art and a captivating introduction to the wealth of visual imagery that surrounds us.The special feature boxes include: Inside the Artist, focusing on achievements of particular artists; Schools and Movements, identifying artistic movements within that time period; Tools and Techniques, looking at the artist's materials; Masterpiece, providing a keen analysis of a particular work or collection; and Connections, examining key stylistic influences among cultures or individual artists.The final volume includes the comprehensive set index, while each individual volume contains a glossary and valuable references.The eight volumes are: "Volume 1: Ancient and Classical Art"; "Volume 2: Medieval Art"; "Volume 3: Renaissance Art"; "Volume 4: Baroque and Neoclassical Art"; "Volume 5: 19th-Century Art"; "Volume 6: Early 20th-Century Art"; "Volume 7: Contemporary Art"; and "Volume 8: World Art".

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From Booklist:

There aren’t many art encyclopedias targeted to youth audiences. In this one, volumes 1–7 cover a specific period of Western art: Ancient and Classical Art, Medieval Art, The Renaissance, The Baroque and Neoclassical Age, The 19th Century, The Early 20th Century, and Contemporary Art. Volume 8, World Art, deals with art from the rest of the world. Each volume begins with a time line of the art world alongside other notable events. Individual chapters are arranged chronologically and deal with specific art trends, such as “Gothic Art,” “Neoclassicism in Britain,” and “Pop Art.” The eighth volume treats 11 major non-Western cultures. Within articles, sidebar essays focus on individual artists, schools and movements, tools and techniques, masterpieces, and other cultural and artistic topics. The major benchmarks in art are covered competently. The encyclopedia emphasizes traditional two-dimensional art but does mention sculpture and a few architectural examples, such as Gothic cathedrals and Versailles. Some attention is given to women artists. Crafts are largely relegated to World Art (e.g., Chinese porcelain). In a few cases, treatment is unequal; for example, little mention is made of early American art. Within the articles, sidebars treat individual artists, schools and movements, tools and techniques, masterpieces, and related historical and cultural topics. In the later volumes, a few masterworks are discussed without accompanying illustrations, which is frustrating. The technique sidebars are disappointing in that they only discuss, but do not illustrate, the methods, for example, mezzotint and ostrich-egg art. Each volume concludes with a glossary, further references, and an index; the last volume’s concluding features are cumulative. Practically every page includes color reproductions, which are generally well rendered in terms of color balance, although definition is sometimes fuzzy. The spacious layout makes for readable text. This set provides an accessible and engaging introduction to art history, from antiquity to current trends. Libraries serving middle-schoolers and up will find it a useful addition to their collections. Grades 6-10. --Lesley Farmer

From School Library Journal:

Grade 7 Up—This attractive survey of world art offers profusely illustrated chapters covering the major schools, styles, and specific regions, with sidebars that earmark specific artists, works of art, movements, and techniques, or note "Connections" (historical and cultural). Each volume covers an era or a century and includes a chronology and a glossary of specialized terms. In addition, occasional cross-references along the bottom of pages indicate related topics within the volume. Volume eight includes a set index and an index of artists and their works. The writing is clear and concise, often incorporating vivid detail, such as that found in an explanation of the materials used to create prehistoric paintbrushes. The reproductions of artworks are generally of high quality, but occasionally (e.g., the reproductions of Michelangelo's The Last Judgment and Vincent van Gogh's The Starry Night) the tones are not true to the originals. As with any survey, many of the expected masterpieces are included; others are notably absent. For instance, while there is a two-column entry on (and photo of) Marc Chagall, there are no reproductions of his works. Similarly, the "characteristic product of Navajo weaving...known as the eye-dazzler,'" is discussed, but the complex pattern is never shown. Nevertheless, the works that are included provide a fine introduction to art history. Although its coverage of non-Western art is not extensive, this set examines topics not included in Anthony F. Janson's History of Art for Young People (Prentice Hall, 2003).—Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI
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