History of Art by H.W. Janson, Easton Press

History of Art by H.W. Janson and Anthony F. Janson

Easton Press Deluxe Leather Bound Edition

FINE Condition

This is a beautiful leather bound edition of the classic art work “History of Art” published by the Easton Press in conjunction with Harry N. Abrams, New York in 2001. The book measures approximately 11.75” x 9” x 2.5” and features the usual Easton Press fineries including:

·      hubbed spine, bound in premium full leathers

·      distinctive cover design, beautiful illustrations

·      handsome, readable typefaces, permanent satin ribbon page marker

·      elegant gilded page edges, endsheets of rich silk moire fabric

·      thread-sewn pages for durability and strength, long-lasting high quality, acid-neutral paper

The best synopsis was written by Stuart James in his review of the book: “Originally published in 1962, this monumental book has become something of a classic. A lot of books tell the history of art, even to the depth of this work, but few match the sheer consistent quality of its text: eloquent, lucid and easily flowing from period to period and from genre to genre. Add a wealth of high quality illustrations and you have a sure winner. No wonder it now reaches its sixth edition in just under 40 years. An Introduction (Art and the Artist and Approaches to Art History) sets the scene, with some amusing and relevant cartoons (including one set in a library), then it is straight into the history. An Overview of the Ancient World leads us into the first chapter, naturally on prehistoric art, then through the ages, the genres and the regions down to our own times with twentieth century architecture, painting, sculpture and photography, and up to Postmodernism. There is a degree of concentration on Western art but conscious efforts are made to cover other cultures of the world too. Not only is it all here but it is beautifully designed and presented. The illustrations, many in colour, include diagrams and maps and appear with the text to which they relate. Large fact boxes take a host of specific topics relating to the text where they appear, and give them more detailed examination and explanation. At the end of each major period section are selections of primary source reading, then a timeline-illustrated chronology of the period; this relates art works from the text to: history and politics; religion; music, literature and philosophy; and science, technology and exploration. The overall result is a fascinating combination of consistent text and encyclopaedic information and illustration.Revisions to this edition include improvements to overall design, new or revised content (especially in the Ancient Art, Neoclassical/Romanticism and Architecture sections), revised and redesigned maps, an updated Web site directory of museums and art sites, and a comprehensive bibliography. New are a discography of recommended recordings for composers mentioned in the sidebars, and over 150 new illustrations. The total comes to an impressive 1,352 illustrations including 865 colour plates. A mixture of outstanding narrative text, encyclopaedic and other reference information and lavish illustration in 997 (couldn’t they really find another three?) large quarto pages, make this book a most attractive proposition, both literally and figuratively.”

From the publisher: “For forty years, this widely acclaimed classic has remained unsurpassed as an introduction to art in the Western world, boasting the matchless credibility of the Janson name. This newest update features a more contemporary, more colorful design and vast array of extraordinarily produced illustrations that have become the Janson hallmark. A narrative voice makes this book a truly enjoyable read, and carefully reviewed and revised updates to this edition offer the utmost clarity in contributions based on recent scholarship. Extensive captions for the book’s incredible art program offer profound insight through the eyes of twentieth-century art historians speaking about specific pieces of art featured throughout. Significantly changed in this edition is the chapter on "The Late Renaissance," in which Janson offers a new perspective on the subject, tracing in detail the religious art tied to the Catholic Reform movement, whose early history is little known to many readers of art history. Janson has also rearranged early Renaissance art according to genres instead of time sequence, and he has followed the reinterpretation of Etruscan art begun in recent years by German and English art historians. With a truly humanist approach, this book gives written and visual meaning to the captivating story of what artists have tried to express—and why—for more than 30,000 years.”

The book is in FINE condition with very minor marks to the gilt. There are no bookplates, markings, or any other signs of previous ownership.

Photographs of the front cover, a side view of the book, and an illustration from the book appear below. Please note that although the photographs appear digitized as thumbnails, they are viewable in the photo viewer by clicking the thumbnail.