Art for Dummies

"Do you love art but feel intimidated by it? --Then this book is for you!"

--Anne Hawley, Director, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston

"Long in coming, much needed, and clearly and accurately written. Congratulations, Tom."

--Peter L. Schaffer, A La Vieille Russie, New York

Publisher Web Site, June, 2003

If you've always wanted to find out more about art but felt intimidated by the overeducated art world, then you've found the answer. Art For Dummies is the book that will have you and everyone you know clamoring outside the doors of your local museum. Thomas Hoving, former director of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, is credited with revolutionizing the 'Met', doubling its size during his tenure, and bringing art to the masses. Let him bring art to you as well.

In Art For Dummies, Thomas Hoving provides a how-to guide to the art world. First, he guides you through an introduction to art appreciation, pointing out the details that you've always noticed but have never been able to explain. Next, Hoving takes you on a ride through art history. (Have you ever regretted not taking those art history classes in school? With Art For Dummies, you'll feel all caught up and ready to spar with the local intellectuals.) Hoving even includes a guide to the world's top art cities and centers, a listing that can help you prepare for your next artistic voyage. With this guide, you can discover where to go in order to see the greatest works of art, and you can also find out about hidden treasures in nearby art museums.

You also get a great start for seeking out art with Hoving's lists of the greatest works of Western civilization, the most interesting artists, and the contemporary artists to watch. Don?t wait another day to introduce yourself to the art world!

Foreword.
Introduction.

PART I: Appreciating Art.

Chapter 1: What Is Art?
Chapter 2: How to Appreciate Art Without an Advanced Degree.
Chapter 3: How to Visit a Museum the Way the Pros Do.

PART II: Art through the Ages.

Chapter 4: Prehistoric Art (More Sophisticated Than You Would Believe).
Chapter 5: The Ancient World: Still the Most Exciting.
Chapter 6: Medieval Art (Definitely Not the Dark Ages).
Chapter 7: The Renaissance and Revivals.
Chapter 8: The Northern European "Renaissance".
Chapter 9: Mannerism: Sensuality and the Bizarre.
Chapter 10: The Baroque: The True Golden Age.
Chapter 11: The Sparkling 18th Century.
Chapter 12: Neoclassicism and the Romantic Twinge.
Chapter 13: Impressionism (The Poetry of the Land and Mankind).
Chapter 14: Post-Impressionism (Or Better, Pre-Modern).
Chapter 15: Modern Art: The Bold, the Beautiful, and the Not-So-Beautiful.
Chapter 16: Contemporary Art and Its "ISMs" (Not Always So Nice, but Ever Exciting).
Chapter 17: A Look at Art Beyond the Western World.

PART III: Beginning Your Own Collection.

Chapter 18: Getting Ready to Collect.
Chapter 19: How to Play the Buying Game.

PART IV: The Part of Tens.

Chapter 20: The Greatest Works of Western Civilization.
Chapter 21: The Ten Most Interesting Artists (And Why).
Chapter 22: Ten Artists Worth Watching.
Chapter 23: How to Tell if Your Child Has Artistic Genius and Then What to Do.

PART V: Appendixes.

Appendix A: Artspeak Unmasked.
Appendix B: The Professional's Checklist on How to Buy Art.
Appendix C: Art Chronology.
The Essential Guide to the World's Top Art Cities and Centers.
The Awesome Americas.
Europe (All That's Worth a Detour).
Non-Western Destinations.
Bibliography.
Index.