Byzantine Art (Oxford History of Art)

The back cover says that it is "The handbook of Byzantine art for lay readers and specialists." As a lay reader (though I have read rather extensively about other periods in art and history), I did find it about one level above what I would expect from an introductory text. For example, the author on numerous occasions would go into some detail to explain the dating of a particular object, rather than use that space to describe, for example, its artistic style, or how the object (or others like it) was used or experienced by the people of that period in history. In part for that reason, I did not find this "brisk" reading as one reviewer put it.The back cover also says that the author overturns the myth that Byzantine art (BA) remained constant. He does indeed go into great detail to show how BA of a given period was the product of a variety of factors, and how a given piece of art was different. But, again for a lay person, what is salient is how so much of BA was in fact fairly consistent in style and subject matter, and for so long, due its spiritual function. For my money, I would have liked to read at least as much about its continuity as about how much it changed.There was also no map in the book, even though it is about art in many different countries.And finally, although he organized his chapters chronologically, he roamed pretty freely with the art he was discussing, such that he regularly went into things, at length, that chronologically belonged to a previous or forthcoming chapter.All that said, I did learn a lot from the book, and would recommend it to anyone with more than a beginner's knowledge of this period in art history. (You can get that beginner's knowledge by first reading Wikipedia's entries on 1) Byzantine art, 2) Icons, and 3) the Byzantine Empire.)

I bought this book as an art history textbook, and I wish I had bought the text as a physical book. The kindle images don't accompany the text referring to them, and as such it is difficult to follow. The images are all in black and white, which for an art history textbook is a major fault. It is impossible to appreciate this art with the current kindle photographs.That being said, the text itself is interesting and a good introduction to the richness of Byzantine culture as expressed in art. I recommend buying the physical text rather than the e-book.

Knowing little about Byzantine Art, this book provided great background on the development of Byzantine art over time, placing it in historical perspective. I was concerned that it might have too much detail but it presents a nice balance between presenting necessary details without overwhelming the reader with too much information.

This was a required text for an art history class. I found it to be okay as a source of information. The presentation is not very user friendly and the writing is a bit dense. Art historical texts can be dense anyway but this one is dense in areas that could have been written less dense. The author gets mired down in conjecture. I found several spelling errors, which is always a pet peeve of mine.

It is an excellent book.It is very easy to read and comprehensive.I like it, I recommend this book.

i wanted more icons and less writing. robin cormack is an expert and his details about these icons is appreciated

As an art teacher it was very helpful to my understanding of this time and style of art.

I purchased this book for an art history class. I've read a lot of art history books and this one is really, really dry. It covers a lot of info but it focuses mainly on art and not a lot of architecture.

For all sorts of reasons in my late 60's I am researching art and design from Ancient Rome through to the start of the Renaissance and given the gap in the years from my childhood to the present, just where do you start ? I have found the "Oxford History of Art" a brilliant place to start from wherever you then branch/go to and each book is such excellent value for money.This particular book from the series has been very helpful. The thing I like best about this series is that they never pretend to be " The Answer" but they do deliver lots of information and references for you to build upon so in this case and as a consequence, I have booked myself on a trip to Turkey and especially Istanbul, I really must see this stuff up close and personal !

Excellent, educational but not dry with quite a few plates

very informative and arrived swiftly

Lovely book and informative too. Book arrived in excellent condition. Will purchase from seller again.

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