Smithsonian Q & A: American Art and Artists: The Ultimate Question & Answer Book (Smithsonian Q & A)

By Tricia Wright

Covering topics from the natural to the historical and beyond, the Smithsonian Q & A books are essential for any family reference shelf. Questions and answers are authoritative and accessible. Full-color illustrations and the Q & A format enable users to learn all about their favorite creatures and subjects. SMITHSONIAN Q & A: AMERICAN ART will cover the history of American art and artists from the eighteenth century to the present. The book will encompass the visual arts, including painting, photography, and sculpture, and will feature prominent movements as well as artists from a variety of backgrounds.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060891246
• ISBN13: 9780060891244
• Release Date: July 2007
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Amazing insights

i loved this book. Clearly written by someone who has a great eye and know a lot about art history. Also, skillfully wove together the cultural and political history with a more formal analysis of the art as art. It gives the big sweep -- an understanding of how american art became its own movement(s), separate from Europe. would be a great book for adults or YA, or younger children. The QA format makes it very accessible. Would also be a great classroom guide.

A fascinating tour through a sprawling subject

Exploring the entire history of American art in one slender volume is no mean feat, but Wright succeeds in guiding the reader on a fascinating tour of this sprawling subject. The layout of the book is based on a series from The Smithsonian in which subject areas are treated in a question and answer format. The format makes it really easy to digest the material in chunks to read at leisure or as a casual reference. But if you read it end-to-end (as I did), you'll find a grander, more formal survey structure underlies it all. This book is a great jumping off point for more detailed exploration in areas of interest, but also provides an intelligent, concise history on its own. Recommended.

Small but lots of information

This art overview gives a great deal of information and annedotes for a small work. It is interesting to read, surprisingly up to date on current art and fills in material on older work. Highly recommended for a general information art book to students and professionals.