Art in Theory 1900 - 2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas 2nd Edition

This book is expensive but ends up repaying you back tremendously in the long run. Excellent paper material quality and typesetting very attractive. This is one book to carry on a deserted island. This is an anthology to treasure because it puts together extremely rare essays on art nowhere else in the current lexicon. Where else will you find essays by Trotsky on art criticism in politics? What about Max Weber's analysis of art? These by well known and not so well known authors makes for long reading sessions.The essays are grouped by thematic content and given well rounded introductions by the editors of the volume. A word of warning to the readers: do not take what is put in the volume at face value...which is a big temptation. The only way to really learn from this book is to challenge the authors and decide for yourself the merits of the analysis. Art theory is intellectually dense but extremely dangerous to accept without serious study. This book is a reference on art theory like no other in the world. So please do yourselves a favor and get this book before it's taken out of print. And when this book goes out of print thanks to the ipad and ebook craze putting book publishers out of business...you'll be very sorry you didn't get it when you could.

As an Art Historian I dread buying big brick books but this is one you'll actually need. Giving you classic theory (Roger Fry, anyone?) and a few surprises, this book is a must for any serious scholar in the field. This book is worth its weight and has paid for itself time and again. I'm currently in my last year of my MA and I have yet to take a class where it wasn't used. Like Kate Turabian and Sylvan Barnett you have to have it.

The subtitle to this book is "An Anthology of Changing Ideas", which is remarkably accurate. The excerpts in this book run the ideological spectrum from Winston Churchill to Adolf Hitler, and everyone in-between. The assembly of so many artists, politicians, philosophers, and theorists in one place has had a profound impact on my understanding of particular artworks, and my relationship to art in general. It's an intimidating book, but somehow this diverse group of thinkers is organized in a way that could be read straight through. Personally, I find it to be an invaluable tool for research and artistic growth.

Great research reference text that I've consulted several times now over the course of my graduate study essay writings. Theories are discussed both in broad and complex terms without an overabundance of jargon, and there is a great deal of attention paid to why the ideas dissected have changed in the first place. If you're in graduate school for anything even peripherally encompassing art and theory, I would highly recommend obtaining a copy of this book for consultation throughout your ongoing education.

The book will give you a lot of historical knowledge on art in this time frame, through interviews and reviews and such. It is, however, incredibly dry. Art history tends to be that way if you aren't really into it so i think book reviews are subjective! I happened to have a professor that was very knowledgeable and with her aid in explaining the content it was really a great read. I would look for the specific artists you appreciate most instead of trying to read the entire thing. There are some really important writings in here.

A treasure trove of wisdom and insight regarding modern and postmodern art. Dense. Wonderful intros to each section by the editors and a vital collection of writings by artists and about their work. A must for any art student or, I imagine, collector or gallerist. Info you either need to know or need to have access to at your fingertips. Worth the price.

This book is a collection of articles, which are very well known in the field of Art Theory.You don't need to look up the historical books to find them....They are already in this collection.Excellent for reference particularly if you need to write your term paper.This volume is even more useful than the one before 1900.You cannot live without one if you are studying in Fine Arts or Aesthetics (Philosophy).

This tome has a very wide sampling of ideas and thinking about 20th Century art. I use it to refresh my thoughts and writing about my own art.