Art History By Marilyn Stokstad | Goodreads
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Evan Leach466 reviews167 followersFollowFollowSeptember 19, 2016
While I have always been interested in the history of art, I really didn’t know much about the subject. In order to rectify that fact, a few years ago I went in search of a good introductory book. After some research, I ended up picking up a copy of Marilyn Stokstad’s two-volume set, and I have been picking my way through it ever since, finally polishing volume two off earlier this week. 
Art History is designed as textbook for art history courses, and it can read like a textbook at times (albeit an engaging one). However, it has plenty to offer the general reader. The book is extremely comprehensive, covering artwork from prehistoric cave paintings through the modern and post-modern era. While plenty of space is devoted to Western artwork, Stokstad also spends time discussing artwork from all over the world. While the emphasis is on painting and sculpture, a significant amount of time is spent on architectural development as well. The book is chock-full of high quality, color photographs of the artwork under discussion, which was an important factor for me. While the writing is simple and direct (again, think textbook), Stokstad writes clearly and does a good job of explaining the importance of artistic movements and concepts for the layman.
With a scope this large, Art History is forced to march pretty quickly through some major artists and time periods that I would have liked to see covered in greater depth. But as an introductory volume this was very effective and informative, and if it left me wanting to know more about specific artists and their careers, then perhaps it did its job. 4.0 stars, recommended!
Carol825 reviewsFollowFollowAugust 25, 2009It's huge, very heavy. Had to read the whole book (except architecture) for a 1 year docent class. Great resource -- but too big to carry to a class!!
Laura163 reviews54 followersFollowFollowNovember 30, 2020One of the best textbooks I have read so far
Tlaloc92 reviews7 followersFollowFollowOctober 17, 2010This book delves deep into the history of art and covers, to varying degrees, all continents and most historical periods. With hundreds of pictures, including paintings, architecture and landscapes. As much as I enjoyed it, the newer edition goes for ~$130 on Amazon.com, which I find ridiculous. I got mine second hand. 
Deirdre128 reviewsFollowFollowFebruary 19, 2008My Primary Textbook
Vickie177 reviews8 followersFollowFollowSeptember 11, 2021The book above in a combined version of volumes one and two. I actually have this (third) edition, but it is in paperback and is in 2 separate volumes, of which I have both.I have thoroughly read almost all of Volume One (and skimmed the few pages not read) for my Art History Class. I loved it. I am planning on rereading it and then go onto volume 2. It is filled with great photographs, illustrations, maps, history of the cultural periods in connection with the items, and especially their impact on countries throughout the world. There is a lot of terminology, which is explained, as this is a textbook, but that might be off putting to some.[I am marking it read in 2009 temporarily and will at some point go back and create an entry for volume I and one for volume II to be more accurate, as I haven't actually read volume II, only I.] 
roxy cline70 reviews4 followersFollowFollowSeptember 2, 2024I took an art history class over summer and this was the text book. I was able to understand what they were saying, as well as it’s in chronological order of history making it easy to follow the progression. I have not read other books so it’s hard to judge it off others. I am glad I read this book. Seems to be super knowledgeable and so many interesting facts I did not know. I even tested some people I know to see if they knew things. lol. I definitely feel like I grasped a better understanding for art history and how it has evolved over time. Now when I go places and see art or architecture I am trying to analyze it. I also was not bored, but that could be because I am interested in it. If you’re just reading it for a class you have no interest in then potentially you might be bored. I would definitely suggest a read if you are interested in learning the history of art. Ty Faulkner2 reviewsFollowFollowMarch 6, 2025While its massive page count and commitment towards covering all facets of art history might appear daunting at first, those who proceed regardless will find themselves a textbook dedicated entirely to the dissection of how art has influenced humanity around the world, the processes used by artists to create their pieces, and the potential developments of art in our digitized age. This textbook is, simply put, worth its weight in knowledge.
Ceylon Rustic Guide1 reviewFollowFollowAugust 26, 2017A Great book
Losabin4 reviews1 followerFollowFollowJune 13, 2018I like this kind of books. I hope many people read this book instead of playing computer games for exemple.
Ley4 reviewsFollowFollowJune 5, 2022Good book even though i read only a few parts that i love😅😅 but yes!! 4 stars!! ❤️
mike f.79 reviews8 followersFollowFollowNovember 25, 2022slay but like this class was so boring
Lempi7 reviewsFollowFollowMay 13, 2024I read this for my art history class, and it is truly the best and most comprehensive textbook in the field. It is entertaining and has art from all over the world! I love it. 
megan ♡6 reviewsFollowFollowMarch 11, 2026The quote “Unlike Donatello’s sassy boy…” is the reason this is 4 stars. 
Steven PetersonAuthor 19 books328 followersFollowFollowMay 8, 2010My son's textbook turns out to be a pleasure to me! This is Volume Two of a two volume set on art history. It covers the period from early Renaissance art in Europe to the post-1945 international avant-garde. In between is art from Europe and other parts of the world, including India, China, Japan, the Americas, the Pacific cultures, and Africa. The Introduction places the time frame in this book in context.The book begins with such architectural gems as the Church of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, van Eyck's art, tapestry, frescoes, the Dome of the Florence Cathedral, Donatello's sculpture, and so on. Fast forward to the avant-garde. Anselm Kiefer's painting, "Heath of the Brandenberg March," is very telling to me.All in all, a nice tour of art in all its forms and in different regions of the world from the Renaissance to the present. . . .
Stephanie7 reviews3 followersFollowFollowMay 20, 2010If you want to read an Art History book read this one. Actually I have not only this book but she also broke it down into smaller sections which I used for my Asian Art class and really are more convenient. This book is huge and not one that you would carry around with you everywhere. That said though it is very well written and the vast amount of information given on a huge breadth of subjects is very impressive. The images are great quality and again amazing in their number. Not a dry read at all and one that makes cultures and their art come alive.
Catherine21 reviews4 followersFollowFollowMay 17, 2007This book, this five lb. book was what I lugged around for four years. My lovely survey book. I would be lost without it. Filled with post-it notes and highlighter marks. Stokstad's Art History survey is amazing. If you are looking for a great coffee table book with lots of amazing info inside this is the book for you. This edition is not the one I had, mine was from 1999 but I think that one is out of print now...
Megs54 reviews14 followersFollowFollowDecember 28, 2016This was my textbook for AP Art History in high school and it remains my go-to reference for anything art related other than the most modern pieces (I have the 1996 version so it obviously doesn't cover present day). At 16 years old the binding is broken, the pages are torn, and there are hundreds of post-its marking favorite pages. If you are looking for an in-depth beginners reference, this is still a wonderful book to pick up today. 
Eric130 reviews2 followersFollowFollowJune 6, 2016I had to read this for class. Went in chronological order, so it's of easy to follow. The earlier chapters were great. Loved to see where art came from, but the later chapters were all about religious artworks then anything else. Not a religious person at all, so reading about that type of artwork really bothered me, but if that's what type of art you like, then you will love the book. enitsirK5 reviewsFollowFollowDecember 26, 2008I don't know why anyone would rate it a 2 or a 3. It's definitely a 5. :) Then again, we all have different tastes. This book is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the Arts and for those who simply want to expand their horizon.
Greg Tatum117 reviews10 followersFollowFollowart-booksNovember 14, 2010My art history survey class book. Excellent.
Alcibiades77 reviews4 followersFollowFollowDecember 11, 2012Finally done! But then I understood there should be better Art books... lol
Cheryl K63 reviews1 followerFollowFollowFebruary 12, 2013One of my favorite Art History books. A beautifully illustrated introduction of Art History throughout the ages. 
Elizabeth Baker3 reviewsFollowFollowJune 13, 2013art history II maybe
James Tomasino857 reviews37 followersFollowFollowJuly 11, 2013There's only so much love you can show a book on Art History. She managed to keep it from getting completely dry, but by the end I was still struggling.
Melina346 reviews17 followersFollowFollowSeptember 28, 2020Comprehensive and essential guide to the history of art.
Want to ReadRate this bookArt HistoryMarilyn Stokstad
4.23Want to ReadRate this bookBrand new book still in its plastic, looking for a home!- GenresArtArt HistoryHistoryNonfictionTextbooksReferenceSchool ...more
1280 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1995
Book details & editions73 people are currently reading2018 people want to readAbout the author
Marilyn Stokstad
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4.235 stars540 (49%)4 stars335 (30%)3 stars174 (15%)2 stars34 (3%)1 star15 (1%)Search review textFiltersDisplaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviewsEvan Leach466 reviews167 followersFollowFollowSeptember 19, 2016While I have always been interested in the history of art, I really didn’t know much about the subject. In order to rectify that fact, a few years ago I went in search of a good introductory book. After some research, I ended up picking up a copy of Marilyn Stokstad’s two-volume set, and I have been picking my way through it ever since, finally polishing volume two off earlier this week. Art History is designed as textbook for art history courses, and it can read like a textbook at times (albeit an engaging one). However, it has plenty to offer the general reader. The book is extremely comprehensive, covering artwork from prehistoric cave paintings through the modern and post-modern era. While plenty of space is devoted to Western artwork, Stokstad also spends time discussing artwork from all over the world. While the emphasis is on painting and sculpture, a significant amount of time is spent on architectural development as well. The book is chock-full of high quality, color photographs of the artwork under discussion, which was an important factor for me. While the writing is simple and direct (again, think textbook), Stokstad writes clearly and does a good job of explaining the importance of artistic movements and concepts for the layman.With a scope this large, Art History is forced to march pretty quickly through some major artists and time periods that I would have liked to see covered in greater depth. But as an introductory volume this was very effective and informative, and if it left me wanting to know more about specific artists and their careers, then perhaps it did its job. 4.0 stars, recommended!- 1990-1999doorstoppersvisual-arts
Carol825 reviewsFollowFollowAugust 25, 2009It's huge, very heavy. Had to read the whole book (except architecture) for a 1 year docent class. Great resource -- but too big to carry to a class!!- art-history
Laura163 reviews54 followersFollowFollowNovember 30, 2020One of the best textbooks I have read so far- art-and-art-historyhistory
Tlaloc92 reviews7 followersFollowFollowOctober 17, 2010This book delves deep into the history of art and covers, to varying degrees, all continents and most historical periods. With hundreds of pictures, including paintings, architecture and landscapes. As much as I enjoyed it, the newer edition goes for ~$130 on Amazon.com, which I find ridiculous. I got mine second hand. - history
Deirdre128 reviewsFollowFollowFebruary 19, 2008My Primary Textbook- art-art-history-arteducation-teaching-7-12-grade-boys
Vickie177 reviews8 followersFollowFollowSeptember 11, 2021The book above in a combined version of volumes one and two. I actually have this (third) edition, but it is in paperback and is in 2 separate volumes, of which I have both.I have thoroughly read almost all of Volume One (and skimmed the few pages not read) for my Art History Class. I loved it. I am planning on rereading it and then go onto volume 2. It is filled with great photographs, illustrations, maps, history of the cultural periods in connection with the items, and especially their impact on countries throughout the world. There is a lot of terminology, which is explained, as this is a textbook, but that might be off putting to some.[I am marking it read in 2009 temporarily and will at some point go back and create an entry for volume I and one for volume II to be more accurate, as I haven't actually read volume II, only I.] - non-fiction
roxy cline70 reviews4 followersFollowFollowSeptember 2, 2024I took an art history class over summer and this was the text book. I was able to understand what they were saying, as well as it’s in chronological order of history making it easy to follow the progression. I have not read other books so it’s hard to judge it off others. I am glad I read this book. Seems to be super knowledgeable and so many interesting facts I did not know. I even tested some people I know to see if they knew things. lol. I definitely feel like I grasped a better understanding for art history and how it has evolved over time. Now when I go places and see art or architecture I am trying to analyze it. I also was not bored, but that could be because I am interested in it. If you’re just reading it for a class you have no interest in then potentially you might be bored. I would definitely suggest a read if you are interested in learning the history of art. Ty Faulkner2 reviewsFollowFollowMarch 6, 2025While its massive page count and commitment towards covering all facets of art history might appear daunting at first, those who proceed regardless will find themselves a textbook dedicated entirely to the dissection of how art has influenced humanity around the world, the processes used by artists to create their pieces, and the potential developments of art in our digitized age. This textbook is, simply put, worth its weight in knowledge.- textbooks
Ceylon Rustic Guide1 reviewFollowFollowAugust 26, 2017A Great bookLosabin4 reviews1 followerFollowFollowJune 13, 2018I like this kind of books. I hope many people read this book instead of playing computer games for exemple.Ley4 reviewsFollowFollowJune 5, 2022Good book even though i read only a few parts that i love😅😅 but yes!! 4 stars!! ❤️mike f.79 reviews8 followersFollowFollowNovember 25, 2022slay but like this class was so boringLempi7 reviewsFollowFollowMay 13, 2024I read this for my art history class, and it is truly the best and most comprehensive textbook in the field. It is entertaining and has art from all over the world! I love it. megan ♡6 reviewsFollowFollowMarch 11, 2026The quote “Unlike Donatello’s sassy boy…” is the reason this is 4 stars. Steven PetersonAuthor 19 books328 followersFollowFollowMay 8, 2010My son's textbook turns out to be a pleasure to me! This is Volume Two of a two volume set on art history. It covers the period from early Renaissance art in Europe to the post-1945 international avant-garde. In between is art from Europe and other parts of the world, including India, China, Japan, the Americas, the Pacific cultures, and Africa. The Introduction places the time frame in this book in context.The book begins with such architectural gems as the Church of Saint-Maclou in Rouen, van Eyck's art, tapestry, frescoes, the Dome of the Florence Cathedral, Donatello's sculpture, and so on. Fast forward to the avant-garde. Anselm Kiefer's painting, "Heath of the Brandenberg March," is very telling to me.All in all, a nice tour of art in all its forms and in different regions of the world from the Renaissance to the present. . . .Stephanie7 reviews3 followersFollowFollowMay 20, 2010If you want to read an Art History book read this one. Actually I have not only this book but she also broke it down into smaller sections which I used for my Asian Art class and really are more convenient. This book is huge and not one that you would carry around with you everywhere. That said though it is very well written and the vast amount of information given on a huge breadth of subjects is very impressive. The images are great quality and again amazing in their number. Not a dry read at all and one that makes cultures and their art come alive.Catherine21 reviews4 followersFollowFollowMay 17, 2007This book, this five lb. book was what I lugged around for four years. My lovely survey book. I would be lost without it. Filled with post-it notes and highlighter marks. Stokstad's Art History survey is amazing. If you are looking for a great coffee table book with lots of amazing info inside this is the book for you. This edition is not the one I had, mine was from 1999 but I think that one is out of print now...- favorite-art-history-books
Megs54 reviews14 followersFollowFollowDecember 28, 2016This was my textbook for AP Art History in high school and it remains my go-to reference for anything art related other than the most modern pieces (I have the 1996 version so it obviously doesn't cover present day). At 16 years old the binding is broken, the pages are torn, and there are hundreds of post-its marking favorite pages. If you are looking for an in-depth beginners reference, this is still a wonderful book to pick up today. Eric130 reviews2 followersFollowFollowJune 6, 2016I had to read this for class. Went in chronological order, so it's of easy to follow. The earlier chapters were great. Loved to see where art came from, but the later chapters were all about religious artworks then anything else. Not a religious person at all, so reading about that type of artwork really bothered me, but if that's what type of art you like, then you will love the book. enitsirK5 reviewsFollowFollowDecember 26, 2008I don't know why anyone would rate it a 2 or a 3. It's definitely a 5. :) Then again, we all have different tastes. This book is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in the Arts and for those who simply want to expand their horizon.Greg Tatum117 reviews10 followersFollowFollowart-booksNovember 14, 2010My art history survey class book. Excellent.Alcibiades77 reviews4 followersFollowFollowDecember 11, 2012Finally done! But then I understood there should be better Art books... lolCheryl K63 reviews1 followerFollowFollowFebruary 12, 2013One of my favorite Art History books. A beautifully illustrated introduction of Art History throughout the ages. - favorites
- art-history
Elizabeth Baker3 reviewsFollowFollowJune 13, 2013art history II maybe- done
James Tomasino857 reviews37 followersFollowFollowJuly 11, 2013There's only so much love you can show a book on Art History. She managed to keep it from getting completely dry, but by the end I was still struggling.Melina346 reviews17 followersFollowFollowSeptember 28, 2020Comprehensive and essential guide to the history of art.- library
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