one of the best introductions to visual culture, 24 Feb 2004
This book is a splendid introduction to theories about visual culture. It opens up the sociological / psychodynamic / anthropological theories that exist about the visual media to laymen. Another good thing is that they do not focus on high culture visual media, but also on film, television, advertising, etc. This is what makes the book valuable to people who are specialized in neighbouring fields and who wish to know more about visual media (for instance, marketeers, perception psychologists, therapists, people studying politics, etc.). On every topic the background literature is made accessible by good references and a short introduction to these references. This is really helpful! For instance, i always wanted to know more about Barthes theorizing about myths, and how that applies to advertising, with this book i have a good introduction, but also a good guide that tells me how to find the relevant and more up to date literature on this topic.

the lighter fun book on the subject, 20 Nov 2003
This book is easy going introductory reading for undergraduate courses on the subject. It's relatively short, has lots of pictures and photos and is mostly about advertising, tv, and popular culture. It makes a nice change from weighty pompous academic essays and it's engaging and intelligent.

one of the best introductions to visual culture, 24 Feb 2004
This book is a splendid introduction to theories about visual culture. It opens up the sociological / psychodynamic / anthropological theories that exist about the visual media to laymen. Another good thing is that they do not focus on high culture visual media, but also on film, television, advertising, etc. This is what makes the book valuable to people who are specialized in neighbouring fields and who wish to know more about visual media (for instance, marketeers, perception psychologists, therapists, people studying politics, etc.). On every topic the background literature is made accessible by good references and a short introduction to these references. This is really helpful! For instance, i always wanted to know more about Barthes theorizing about myths, and how that applies to advertising, with this book i have a good introduction, but also a good guide that tells me how to find the relevant and more up to date literature on this topic.

the lighter fun book on the subject, 20 Nov 2003
This book is easy going introductory reading for undergraduate courses on the subject. It's relatively short, has lots of pictures and photos and is mostly about advertising, tv, and popular culture. It makes a nice change from weighty pompous academic essays and it's engaging and intelligent.

Splitting Attractive Hairs, 07 Jul 2007
This is the kind of book that History of Art departments throw at you early on in their courses to instil the right respect and awe for the whole academic ritual.

When I first saw this book at Birkbeck College (2003 History of Art MA) I was duly impressed and intimidated into thinking this was somehow a classic. In this work Baxandall is the exemplary academic, slowly building up a case from painstaking research and cleverly interpreted trivia.

This approach is fine and dandy until you reflect that at the end of it the conclusions Baxandall has laboured so hard to arrive at are perhaps a little banal -- i.e. Renaissance painting was influenced by such contemporary phenomenon as religious practices, dancing, and the ability to judge quantities by eye.

The only reason this book works as a book is that the Renaissance is such an attractive period that Baxandall's painstakingly dull technique receives a charming counterpoint in the endearing trivia of the period. Unfortunately this effect is not replicated in other works by Baxandall that I have looked at. To college students getting a dose of this, I would say, 'Enjoy the period, but think about how relevant this kind of hairsplitting really is.'


Lapis at 4 ducats the ounce..., 28 Jul 2004
As well as being a splendid introduction to the paintings and the philosophy behind them, this book is particularly good on the relationship between the artists and their rich patrons, and between the artists and their materials. It's full of intriguing details. Why, for example, pure blue is so rare as well as so rich -- at this period, all the lapis lazuli that European painters could use was mined from one mine (somewhere in Afghanistan) and imported solely through Venice... So it's no surprise to see patrons putting clauses in their contracts with their artists: "use the best blue at 4 ducats the ounce; don't try palming me off with any 2-ducat rubbish!"

If this is the sort of thing that makes you go "yippee!" and grin, as the past comes alive for you, then this is definitely the book for you.

A wonderful read, 04 Mar 2004
This is one of those books you can read (after believing you have a good grip on the subject) to discover how much you have missed! Excellent for those starting to study Italian fifteenth century art and very readable.

Almost uniquely among fine art books this one fits in a jacket pocket as it is a standard sized paperback. I disagree with the other reviewer who complained that it was lacking in illustrations (it isn't) but its small size does make the provision of sensible illustrations impossible and if you have other books on the period (or can use the Internet or a public library) you should have no trouble finding illustrations of any of the works mentioned.

Highly recommended, 24 Nov 2003
This tiny book is immensely helpful and interesting. It focuses on the ways in which critics in the fifteenth century judged paintings, and provides tools which can be used in analysing paintings from pretty much any period. So many art books are pretentious or difficult: this one is really informative and enlightening. It is educational in the best sense of the word.

An interesting perspective, 25 Aug 2003
I very much like this book. Although obviously an academic text, it's written in an easy-to-read style that's not overwhelming. I've studied this period of art history at some length, but the information provided in this brief work provides a fresh perspective, and I've seen some of my favourite paintings in a fresh light. I especially like the chapter on the 'language' of body posture - the idea that every posture had a specific meaning which viewers of that period would have immediately understood. It's made me go back and look at lots of works from the period and 'translate' their gestures! Great fun for lovers of art history! Recommended.

one of the best introductions to visual culture, 24 Feb 2004
This book is a splendid introduction to theories about visual culture. It opens up the sociological / psychodynamic / anthropological theories that exist about the visual media to laymen. Another good thing is that they do not focus on high culture visual media, but also on film, television, advertising, etc. This is what makes the book valuable to people who are specialized in neighbouring fields and who wish to know more about visual media (for instance, marketeers, perception psychologists, therapists, people studying politics, etc.). On every topic the background literature is made accessible by good references and a short introduction to these references. This is really helpful! For instance, i always wanted to know more about Barthes theorizing about myths, and how that applies to advertising, with this book i have a good introduction, but also a good guide that tells me how to find the relevant and more up to date literature on this topic.

the lighter fun book on the subject, 20 Nov 2003
This book is easy going introductory reading for undergraduate courses on the subject. It's relatively short, has lots of pictures and photos and is mostly about advertising, tv, and popular culture. It makes a nice change from weighty pompous academic essays and it's engaging and intelligent.

Splitting Attractive Hairs, 07 Jul 2007
This is the kind of book that History of Art departments throw at you early on in their courses to instil the right respect and awe for the whole academic ritual.

When I first saw this book at Birkbeck College (2003 History of Art MA) I was duly impressed and intimidated into thinking this was somehow a classic. In this work Baxandall is the exemplary academic, slowly building up a case from painstaking research and cleverly interpreted trivia.

This approach is fine and dandy until you reflect that at the end of it the conclusions Baxandall has laboured so hard to arrive at are perhaps a little banal -- i.e. Renaissance painting was influenced by such contemporary phenomenon as religious practices, dancing, and the ability to judge quantities by eye.

The only reason this book works as a book is that the Renaissance is such an attractive period that Baxandall's painstakingly dull technique receives a charming counterpoint in the endearing trivia of the period. Unfortunately this effect is not replicated in other works by Baxandall that I have looked at. To college students getting a dose of this, I would say, 'Enjoy the period, but think about how relevant this kind of hairsplitting really is.'


Lapis at 4 ducats the ounce..., 28 Jul 2004
As well as being a splendid introduction to the paintings and the philosophy behind them, this book is particularly good on the relationship between the artists and their rich patrons, and between the artists and their materials. It's full of intriguing details. Why, for example, pure blue is so rare as well as so rich -- at this period, all the lapis lazuli that European painters could use was mined from one mine (somewhere in Afghanistan) and imported solely through Venice... So it's no surprise to see patrons putting clauses in their contracts with their artists: "use the best blue at 4 ducats the ounce; don't try palming me off with any 2-ducat rubbish!"

If this is the sort of thing that makes you go "yippee!" and grin, as the past comes alive for you, then this is definitely the book for you.

A wonderful read, 04 Mar 2004
This is one of those books you can read (after believing you have a good grip on the subject) to discover how much you have missed! Excellent for those starting to study Italian fifteenth century art and very readable.

Almost uniquely among fine art books this one fits in a jacket pocket as it is a standard sized paperback. I disagree with the other reviewer who complained that it was lacking in illustrations (it isn't) but its small size does make the provision of sensible illustrations impossible and if you have other books on the period (or can use the Internet or a public library) you should have no trouble finding illustrations of any of the works mentioned.

Highly recommended, 24 Nov 2003
This tiny book is immensely helpful and interesting. It focuses on the ways in which critics in the fifteenth century judged paintings, and provides tools which can be used in analysing paintings from pretty much any period. So many art books are pretentious or difficult: this one is really informative and enlightening. It is educational in the best sense of the word.

An interesting perspective, 25 Aug 2003
I very much like this book. Although obviously an academic text, it's written in an easy-to-read style that's not overwhelming. I've studied this period of art history at some length, but the information provided in this brief work provides a fresh perspective, and I've seen some of my favourite paintings in a fresh light. I especially like the chapter on the 'language' of body posture - the idea that every posture had a specific meaning which viewers of that period would have immediately understood. It's made me go back and look at lots of works from the period and 'translate' their gestures! Great fun for lovers of art history! Recommended.

Vitamin D, 09 Nov 2007
This is a good book giving a visual and descritive insight into many artists. It explores their view and outlook and anspiration for art. I was recomended this book from my arts mentor to help in my development and feel it has done the trick. it brings art from all over the world and analysis it intellectually. although i don't like some of the art it still gives me an understanding of form and presentation. it is printing on good quality paper and is a book that you will flick through time and time again.

one of the best introductions to visual culture, 24 Feb 2004
This book is a splendid introduction to theories about visual culture. It opens up the sociological / psychodynamic / anthropological theories that exist about the visual media to laymen. Another good thing is that they do not focus on high culture visual media, but also on film, television, advertising, etc. This is what makes the book valuable to people who are specialized in neighbouring fields and who wish to know more about visual media (for instance, marketeers, perception psychologists, therapists, people studying politics, etc.). On every topic the background literature is made accessible by good references and a short introduction to these references. This is really helpful! For instance, i always wanted to know more about Barthes theorizing about myths, and how that applies to advertising, with this book i have a good introduction, but also a good guide that tells me how to find the relevant and more up to date literature on this topic.

the lighter fun book on the subject, 20 Nov 2003
This book is easy going introductory reading for undergraduate courses on the subject. It's relatively short, has lots of pictures and photos and is mostly about advertising, tv, and popular culture. It makes a nice change from weighty pompous academic essays and it's engaging and intelligent.

Splitting Attractive Hairs, 07 Jul 2007
This is the kind of book that History of Art departments throw at you early on in their courses to instil the right respect and awe for the whole academic ritual.

When I first saw this book at Birkbeck College (2003 History of Art MA) I was duly impressed and intimidated into thinking this was somehow a classic. In this work Baxandall is the exemplary academic, slowly building up a case from painstaking research and cleverly interpreted trivia.

This approach is fine and dandy until you reflect that at the end of it the conclusions Baxandall has laboured so hard to arrive at are perhaps a little banal -- i.e. Renaissance painting was influenced by such contemporary phenomenon as religious practices, dancing, and the ability to judge quantities by eye.

The only reason this book works as a book is that the Renaissance is such an attractive period that Baxandall's painstakingly dull technique receives a charming counterpoint in the endearing trivia of the period. Unfortunately this effect is not replicated in other works by Baxandall that I have looked at. To college students getting a dose of this, I would say, 'Enjoy the period, but think about how relevant this kind of hairsplitting really is.'


Lapis at 4 ducats the ounce..., 28 Jul 2004
As well as being a splendid introduction to the paintings and the philosophy behind them, this book is particularly good on the relationship between the artists and their rich patrons, and between the artists and their materials. It's full of intriguing details. Why, for example, pure blue is so rare as well as so rich -- at this period, all the lapis lazuli that European painters could use was mined from one mine (somewhere in Afghanistan) and imported solely through Venice... So it's no surprise to see patrons putting clauses in their contracts with their artists: "use the best blue at 4 ducats the ounce; don't try palming me off with any 2-ducat rubbish!"

If this is the sort of thing that makes you go "yippee!" and grin, as the past comes alive for you, then this is definitely the book for you.

A wonderful read, 04 Mar 2004
This is one of those books you can read (after believing you have a good grip on the subject) to discover how much you have missed! Excellent for those starting to study Italian fifteenth century art and very readable.

Almost uniquely among fine art books this one fits in a jacket pocket as it is a standard sized paperback. I disagree with the other reviewer who complained that it was lacking in illustrations (it isn't) but its small size does make the provision of sensible illustrations impossible and if you have other books on the period (or can use the Internet or a public library) you should have no trouble finding illustrations of any of the works mentioned.

Highly recommended, 24 Nov 2003
This tiny book is immensely helpful and interesting. It focuses on the ways in which critics in the fifteenth century judged paintings, and provides tools which can be used in analysing paintings from pretty much any period. So many art books are pretentious or difficult: this one is really informative and enlightening. It is educational in the best sense of the word.

An interesting perspective, 25 Aug 2003
I very much like this book. Although obviously an academic text, it's written in an easy-to-read style that's not overwhelming. I've studied this period of art history at some length, but the information provided in this brief work provides a fresh perspective, and I've seen some of my favourite paintings in a fresh light. I especially like the chapter on the 'language' of body posture - the idea that every posture had a specific meaning which viewers of that period would have immediately understood. It's made me go back and look at lots of works from the period and 'translate' their gestures! Great fun for lovers of art history! Recommended.

Vitamin D, 09 Nov 2007
This is a good book giving a visual and descritive insight into many artists. It explores their view and outlook and anspiration for art. I was recomended this book from my arts mentor to help in my development and feel it has done the trick. it brings art from all over the world and analysis it intellectually. although i don't like some of the art it still gives me an understanding of form and presentation. it is printing on good quality paper and is a book that you will flick through time and time again.

Sticky Moments!, 11 Apr 2008
This book was a really good read from beginning to end. I always thought Julian an interesting character when i was growing up. So reading this book intrigued me.

Very funny, sad, educational in ways too. A recommended read!

A mouthful you will never forget !?, 01 Jan 2008
Julian has always been an idol of mine - as a young adolescent, I felt there were no gay role models in my life or in the media. His amazing 'entrance' onto our small screens on trashy game show 'Trick or Treat' marked a turning point in my existence. Naturally, I followed his career keenly and was always a fan - 'Sticky Moments', 'Terry & Julian', stage shows, interviews, pantos, etc.

This book actually shatters the glamorous illusion that Julian created with 'The Joan Collins Fan Club' - he is open, candid and reveals an emotional honesty never before revealed. At times, with raised eyebrows, one wondered if it might have been best to leave SOME aspects of his life out of his autobiography - especially some of the sordid details involving his sex life. (Not that I am a prude, far from it, I would have liked Julian to have kept a little 'mystique' going - there is something ill-dignified about revealing TOO much and I wanted to preserve his dignity in my mind).

It is a fascinating journey, jaunty and jolly in places - melancholy in others, but it is all held together with a wry, witty verve and - of course - huge dollops of innuendo and favourite quotes of old. The pictures/ photos are revealing in their own way - one gets a refreshing sense that Julian really wanted to 'tell it how it really was' (all too often celebrities write wishy washy, sentimental, white-washed versions of their life).

This was addictive reading. Entertaining. Shocking. Funny. Touching. One got to feel what the real JC is like minus make-up. He is - like most comedians/celebs - caught up in his own dramas, is his own worst critic and often cannot see the impact he has on others due to his own selfishness/ conceitedness. Julian seemed to have more affection for the canines in his life than the other two-legged characters around him - but this further adds to his vulnerability and highlights his detachment from the realities of day-to-day life.

If you don't want to burst the glamour bubble - dont read this. If you want a slice of comedic indulgence with lots of campness & sex thrown in for good measure - then dive in for more than a few 'Sticky Moments' with Julian Clary !?

Entertaining and insightful!, 03 Aug 2007
I've been interested in Clary's career since first seeing him at the Edinburgh Fringe, many years ago. Consequently, I found this book an absolute treat, devouring it in a couple of days.
Clary's glosses over or ignores some things eg what happened to Sticky Moments ( which I loved!) and how was the sitcom "Terry and Julian" received? He went into more detail than I cared for, regarding sexual activity, but I suspect that was a selling point for the book!
Overall, I gained insight into Clary's life, personality and motivation and also into the world "alternative" comedy in the '80s. This was a very enjoyable and frequently amusing read.

Mildly entertaining but no Wuthering Heights, 05 Jun 2007
I picked up this book in a 3 for the price of 2 offer at W. H. Smiths (sorry Amazon). As such it did not cost me much. I ran through it in about 2 evenings, over dinner at a hotel. It was mildly entertaining but not wildly so. I passed it on to a gay friend of mine who enjoyed it much more than I did. Julian Clary seems to have glossed over most of his life. Even the sexy bits in the book were superficially handled. I believe, if you are going to bring sex into it, then do so wholeheartedly, not in a sniggering behind your hand sort of way.

Disappointed, 11 Nov 2006
I borrowed Julian Clary's autobiography - A Young Man's Passage - from my local library. I'm glad I didn't buy it. We're about the same age, we're both gay, and his journey through life has been quite different to mine. I expected to enjoy this book but, though I liked the first third, the rest of the book was shallow, and ended with a series of dull diary extracts (how lazy is that), closing in 1993. What a rip-off! No doubt Mr C's agent is busily negotiating big bucks for his client for a second instalment. His fans are being cheated. I used to be a fan. No longer. It sickens me that publishers collude in this kind of thing: chucking money at media celebrities to write their "autobiographies" with no thought given to the ability of the "author" to put something decent and worthwhile together. Mr C isn't the first to do this, and he won't be the last. My copy of Wendy Richard's autobiography (which I DID pay for) ended up in a local charity shop (though I nearly chucked it down the chute).

one of the best introductions to visual culture, 24 Feb 2004
This book is a splendid introduction to theories about visual culture. It opens up the sociological / psychodynamic / anthropological theories that exist about the visual media to laymen. Another good thing is that they do not focus on high culture visual media, but also on film, television, advertising, etc. This is what makes the book valuable to people who are specialized in neighbouring fields and who wish to know more about visual media (for instance, marketeers, perception psychologists, therapists, people studying politics, etc.). On every topic the background literature is made accessible by good references and a short introduction to these references. This is really helpful! For instance, i always wanted to know more about Barthes theorizing about myths, and how that applies to advertising, with this book i have a good introduction, but also a good guide that tells me how to find the relevant and more up to date literature on this topic.

the lighter fun book on the subject, 20 Nov 2003
This book is easy going introductory reading for undergraduate courses on the subject. It's relatively short, has lots of pictures and photos and is mostly about advertising, tv, and popular culture. It makes a nice change from weighty pompous academic essays and it's engaging and intelligent.

Splitting Attractive Hairs, 07 Jul 2007
This is the kind of book that History of Art departments throw at you early on in their courses to instil the right respect and awe for the whole academic ritual.

When I first saw this book at Birkbeck College (2003 History of Art MA) I was duly impressed and intimidated into thinking this was somehow a classic. In this work Baxandall is the exemplary academic, slowly building up a case from painstaking research and cleverly interpreted trivia.

This approach is fine and dandy until you reflect that at the end of it the conclusions Baxandall has laboured so hard to arrive at are perhaps a little banal -- i.e. Renaissance painting was influenced by such contemporary phenomenon as religious practices, dancing, and the ability to judge quantities by eye.

The only reason this book works as a book is that the Renaissance is such an attractive period that Baxandall's painstakingly dull technique receives a charming counterpoint in the endearing trivia of the period. Unfortunately this effect is not replicated in other works by Baxandall that I have looked at. To college students getting a dose of this, I would say, 'Enjoy the period, but think about how relevant this kind of hairsplitting really is.'


Lapis at 4 ducats the ounce..., 28 Jul 2004
As well as being a splendid introduction to the paintings and the philosophy behind them, this book is particularly good on the relationship between the artists and their rich patrons, and between the artists and their materials. It's full of intriguing details. Why, for example, pure blue is so rare as well as so rich -- at this period, all the lapis lazuli that European painters could use was mined from one mine (somewhere in Afghanistan) and imported solely through Venice... So it's no surprise to see patrons putting clauses in their contracts with their artists: "use the best blue at 4 ducats the ounce; don't try palming me off with any 2-ducat rubbish!"

If this is the sort of thing that makes you go "yippee!" and grin, as the past comes alive for you, then this is definitely the book for you.

A wonderful read, 04 Mar 2004
This is one of those books you can read (after believing you have a good grip on the subject) to discover how much you have missed! Excellent for those starting to study Italian fifteenth century art and very readable.

Almost uniquely among fine art books this one fits in a jacket pocket as it is a standard sized paperback. I disagree with the other reviewer who complained that it was lacking in illustrations (it isn't) but its small size does make the provision of sensible illustrations impossible and if you have other books on the period (or can use the Internet or a public library) you should have no trouble finding illustrations of any of the works mentioned.

Highly recommended, 24 Nov 2003
This tiny book is immensely helpful and interesting. It focuses on the ways in which critics in the fifteenth century judged paintings, and provides tools which can be used in analysing paintings from pretty much any period. So many art books are pretentious or difficult: this one is really informative and enlightening. It is educational in the best sense of the word.

An interesting perspective, 25 Aug 2003
I very much like this book. Although obviously an academic text, it's written in an easy-to-read style that's not overwhelming. I've studied this period of art history at some length, but the information provided in this brief work provides a fresh perspective, and I've seen some of my favourite paintings in a fresh light. I especially like the chapter on the 'language' of body posture - the idea that every posture had a specific meaning which viewers of that period would have immediately understood. It's made me go back and look at lots of works from the period and 'translate' their gestures! Great fun for lovers of art history! Recommended.

Vitamin D, 09 Nov 2007
This is a good book giving a visual and descritive insight into many artists. It explores their view and outlook and anspiration for art. I was recomended this book from my arts mentor to help in my development and feel it has done the trick. it brings art from all over the world and analysis it intellectually. although i don't like some of the art it still gives me an understanding of form and presentation. it is printing on good quality paper and is a book that you will flick through time and time again.

Sticky Moments!, 11 Apr 2008
This book was a really good read from beginning to end. I always thought Julian an interesting character when i was growing up. So reading this book intrigued me.

Very funny, sad, educational in ways too. A recommended read!

A mouthful you will never forget !?, 01 Jan 2008
Julian has always been an idol of mine - as a young adolescent, I felt there were no gay role models in my life or in the media. His amazing 'entrance' onto our small screens on trashy game show 'Trick or Treat' marked a turning point in my existence. Naturally, I followed his career keenly and was always a fan - 'Sticky Moments', 'Terry & Julian', stage shows, interviews, pantos, etc.

This book actually shatters the glamorous illusion that Julian created with 'The Joan Collins Fan Club' - he is open, candid and reveals an emotional honesty never before revealed. At times, with raised eyebrows, one wondered if it might have been best to leave SOME aspects of his life out of his autobiography - especially some of the sordid details involving his sex life. (Not that I am a prude, far from it, I would have liked Julian to have kept a little 'mystique' going - there is something ill-dignified about revealing TOO much and I wanted to preserve his dignity in my mind).

It is a fascinating journey, jaunty and jolly in places - melancholy in others, but it is all held together with a wry, witty verve and - of course - huge dollops of innuendo and favourite quotes of old. The pictures/ photos are revealing in their own way - one gets a refreshing sense that Julian really wanted to 'tell it how it really was' (all too often celebrities write wishy washy, sentimental, white-washed versions of their life).

This was addictive reading. Entertaining. Shocking. Funny. Touching. One got to feel what the real JC is like minus make-up. He is - like most comedians/celebs - caught up in his own dramas, is his own worst critic and often cannot see the impact he has on others due to his own selfishness/ conceitedness. Julian seemed to have more affection for the canines in his life than the other two-legged characters around him - but this further adds to his vulnerability and highlights his detachment from the realities of day-to-day life.

If you don't want to burst the glamour bubble - dont read this. If you want a slice of comedic indulgence with lots of campness & sex thrown in for good measure - then dive in for more than a few 'Sticky Moments' with Julian Clary !?

Entertaining and insightful!, 03 Aug 2007
I've been interested in Clary's career since first seeing him at the Edinburgh Fringe, many years ago. Consequently, I found this book an absolute treat, devouring it in a couple of days.
Clary's glosses over or ignores some things eg what happened to Sticky Moments ( which I loved!) and how was the sitcom "Terry and Julian" received? He went into more detail than I cared for, regarding sexual activity, but I suspect that was a selling point for the book!
Overall, I gained insight into Clary's life, personality and motivation and also into the world "alternative" comedy in the '80s. This was a very enjoyable and frequently amusing read.

Mildly entertaining but no Wuthering Heights, 05 Jun 2007
I picked up this book in a 3 for the price of 2 offer at W. H. Smiths (sorry Amazon). As such it did not cost me much. I ran through it in about 2 evenings, over dinner at a hotel. It was mildly entertaining but not wildly so. I passed it on to a gay friend of mine who enjoyed it much more than I did. Julian Clary seems to have glossed over most of his life. Even the sexy bits in the book were superficially handled. I believe, if you are going to bring sex into it, then do so wholeheartedly, not in a sniggering behind your hand sort of way.

Disappointed, 11 Nov 2006
I borrowed Julian Clary's autobiography - A Young Man's Passage - from my local library. I'm glad I didn't buy it. We're about the same age, we're both gay, and his journey through life has been quite different to mine. I expected to enjoy this book but, though I liked the first third, the rest of the book was shallow, and ended with a series of dull diary extracts (how lazy is that), closing in 1993. What a rip-off! No doubt Mr C's agent is busily negotiating big bucks for his client for a second instalment. His fans are being cheated. I used to be a fan. No longer. It sickens me that publishers collude in this kind of thing: chucking money at media celebrities to write their "autobiographies" with no thought given to the ability of the "author" to put something decent and worthwhile together. Mr C isn't the first to do this, and he won't be the last. My copy of Wendy Richard's autobiography (which I DID pay for) ended up in a local charity shop (though I nearly chucked it down the chute).

The 20th century Art book, 07 Apr 2006
This a really good book for any art student, Artists are listed alphabetically and there is a page devoted to each. Photo of their typical work and brief synopsis and names of similiar artists. Want to buy a pressy for your favourite art student? This is the one. Also a very good book for anyone wanting to know a bit about art, take it round the galleries, slip it in your pocket. Just the right size.

An excellent synopis, 31 Dec 2002
A pocket-sized delight of a book and a great companion to any bookshelf, The 20th Century Art Book: Mini Edition is something you'll want to flick through regularly. Each page features an analysis of the greatest artists of this century, along with an image of a related artwork. Apart from the familiar faces, this book will educate and inspire you with stories of little-known artists you'll want to find out more about.

it's got everything, 08 Jun 2001
this is a good book, especially for art students or any big art fan. It has artists that even i have never heard before and the pictures are so clear that it shows the original colours

simple but effective, 27 Oct 2000
this book is not full of great detail about the works or the artists, but is a great reference tool to discover the names of similar artists and further areas to investigate. images are brilliant and captions are consise.

one of the best introductions to visual culture, 24 Feb 2004
This book is a splendid introduction to theories about visual culture. It opens up the sociological / psychodynamic / anthropological theories that exist about the visual media to laymen. Another good thing is that they do not focus on high culture visual media, but also on film, television, advertising, etc. This is what makes the book valuable to people who are specialized in neighbouring fields and who wish to know more about visual media (for instance, marketeers, perception psychologists, therapists, people studying politics, etc.). On every topic the background literature is made accessible by good references and a short introduction to these references. This is really helpful! For instance, i always wanted to know more about Barthes theorizing about myths, and how that applies to advertising, with this book i have a good introduction, but also a good guide that tells me how to find the relevant and more up to date literature on this topic.

the lighter fun book on the subject, 20 Nov 2003
This book is easy going introductory reading for undergraduate courses on the subject. It's relatively short, has lots of pictures and photos and is mostly about advertising, tv, and popular culture. It makes a nice change from weighty pompous academic essays and it's engaging and intelligent.

Splitting Attractive Hairs, 07 Jul 2007
This is the kind of book that History of Art departments throw at you early on in their courses to instil the right respect and awe for the whole academic ritual.

When I first saw this book at Birkbeck College (2003 History of Art MA) I was duly impressed and intimidated into thinking this was somehow a classic. In this work Baxandall is the exemplary academic, slowly building up a case from painstaking research and cleverly interpreted trivia.

This approach is fine and dandy until you reflect that at the end of it the conclusions Baxandall has laboured so hard to arrive at are perhaps a little banal -- i.e. Renaissance painting was influenced by such contemporary phenomenon as religious practices, dancing, and the ability to judge quantities by eye.

The only reason this book works as a book is that the Renaissance is such an attractive period that Baxandall's painstakingly dull technique receives a charming counterpoint in the endearing trivia of the period. Unfortunately this effect is not replicated in other works by Baxandall that I have looked at. To college students getting a dose of this, I would say, 'Enjoy the period, but think about how relevant this kind of hairsplitting really is.'


Lapis at 4 ducats the ounce..., 28 Jul 2004
As well as being a splendid introduction to the paintings and the philosophy behind them, this book is particularly good on the relationship between the artists and their rich patrons, and between the artists and their materials. It's full of intriguing details. Why, for example, pure blue is so rare as well as so rich -- at this period, all the lapis lazuli that European painters could use was mined from one mine (somewhere in Afghanistan) and imported solely through Venice... So it's no surprise to see patrons putting clauses in their contracts with their artists: "use the best blue at 4 ducats the ounce; don't try palming me off with any 2-ducat rubbish!"

If this is the sort of thing that makes you go "yippee!" and grin, as the past comes alive for you, then this is definitely the book for you.

A wonderful read, 04 Mar 2004
This is one of those books you can read (after believing you have a good grip on the subject) to discover how much you have missed! Excellent for those starting to study Italian fifteenth century art and very readable.

Almost uniquely among fine art books this one fits in a jacket pocket as it is a standard sized paperback. I disagree with the other reviewer who complained that it was lacking in illustrations (it isn't) but its small size does make the provision of sensible illustrations impossible and if you have other books on the period (or can use the Internet or a public library) you should have no trouble finding illustrations of any of the works mentioned.

Highly recommended, 24 Nov 2003
This tiny book is immensely helpful and interesting. It focuses on the ways in which critics in the fifteenth century judged paintings, and provides tools which can be used in analysing paintings from pretty much any period. So many art books are pretentious or difficult: this one is really informative and enlightening. It is educational in the best sense of the word.

An interesting perspective, 25 Aug 2003
I very much like this book. Although obviously an academic text, it's written in an easy-to-read style that's not overwhelming. I've studied this period of art history at some length, but the information provided in this brief work provides a fresh perspective, and I've seen some of my favourite paintings in a fresh light. I especially like the chapter on the 'language' of body posture - the idea that every posture had a specific meaning which viewers of that period would have immediately understood. It's made me go back and look at lots of works from the period and 'translate' their gestures! Great fun for lovers of art history! Recommended.

Vitamin D, 09 Nov 2007
This is a good book giving a visual and descritive insight into many artists. It explores their view and outlook and anspiration for art. I was recomended this book from my arts mentor to help in my development and feel it has done the trick. it brings art from all over the world and analysis it intellectually. although i don't like some of the art it still gives me an understanding of form and presentation. it is printing on good quality paper and is a book that you will flick through time and time again.

Sticky Moments!, 11 Apr 2008
This book was a really good read from beginning to end. I always thought Julian an interesting character when i was growing up. So reading this book intrigued me.

Very funny, sad, educational in ways too. A recommended read!

A mouthful you will never forget !?, 01 Jan 2008
Julian has always been an idol of mine - as a young adolescent, I felt there were no gay role models in my life or in the media. His amazing 'entrance' onto our small screens on trashy game show 'Trick or Treat' marked a turning point in my existence. Naturally, I followed his career keenly and was always a fan - 'Sticky Moments', 'Terry & Julian', stage shows, interviews, pantos, etc.

This book actually shatters the glamorous illusion that Julian created with 'The Joan Collins Fan Club' - he is open, candid and reveals an emotional honesty never before revealed. At times, with raised eyebrows, one wondered if it might have been best to leave SOME aspects of his life out of his autobiography - especially some of the sordid details involving his sex life. (Not that I am a prude, far from it, I would have liked Julian to have kept a little 'mystique' going - there is something ill-dignified about revealing TOO much and I wanted to preserve his dignity in my mind).

It is a fascinating journey, jaunty and jolly in places - melancholy in others, but it is all held together with a wry, witty verve and - of course - huge dollops of innuendo and favourite quotes of old. The pictures/ photos are revealing in their own way - one gets a refreshing sense that Julian really wanted to 'tell it how it really was' (all too often celebrities write wishy washy, sentimental, white-washed versions of their life).

This was addictive reading. Entertaining. Shocking. Funny. Touching. One got to feel what the real JC is like minus make-up. He is - like most comedians/celebs - caught up in his own dramas, is his own worst critic and often cannot see the impact he has on others due to his own selfishness/ conceitedness. Julian seemed to have more affection for the canines in his life than the other two-legged characters around him - but this further adds to his vulnerability and highlights his detachment from the realities of day-to-day life.

If you don't want to burst the glamour bubble - dont read this. If you want a slice of comedic indulgence with lots of campness & sex thrown in for good measure - then dive in for more than a few 'Sticky Moments' with Julian Clary !?

Entertaining and insightful!, 03 Aug 2007
I've been interested in Clary's career since first seeing him at the Edinburgh Fringe, many years ago. Consequently, I found this book an absolute treat, devouring it in a couple of days.
Clary's glosses over or ignores some things eg what happened to Sticky Moments ( which I loved!) and how was the sitcom "Terry and Julian" received? He went into more detail than I cared for, regarding sexual activity, but I suspect that was a selling point for the book!
Overall, I gained insight into Clary's life, personality and motivation and also into the world "alternative" comedy in the '80s. This was a very enjoyable and frequently amusing read.

Mildly entertaining but no Wuthering Heights, 05 Jun 2007
I picked up this book in a 3 for the price of 2 offer at W. H. Smiths (sorry Amazon). As such it did not cost me much. I ran through it in about 2 evenings, over dinner at a hotel. It was mildly entertaining but not wildly so. I passed it on to a gay friend of mine who enjoyed it much more than I did. Julian Clary seems to have glossed over most of his life. Even the sexy bits in the book were superficially handled. I believe, if you are going to bring sex into it, then do so wholeheartedly, not in a sniggering behind your hand sort of way.

Disappointed, 11 Nov 2006
I borrowed Julian Clary's autobiography - A Young Man's Passage - from my local library. I'm glad I didn't buy it. We're about the same age, we're both gay, and his journey through life has been quite different to mine. I expected to enjoy this book but, though I liked the first third, the rest of the book was shallow, and ended with a series of dull diary extracts (how lazy is that), closing in 1993. What a rip-off! No doubt Mr C's agent is busily negotiating big bucks for his client for a second instalment. His fans are being cheated. I used to be a fan. No longer. It sickens me that publishers collude in this kind of thing: chucking money at media celebrities to write their "autobiographies" with no thought given to the ability of the "author" to put something decent and worthwhile together. Mr C isn't the first to do this, and he won't be the last. My copy of Wendy Richard's autobiography (which I DID pay for) ended up in a local charity shop (though I nearly chucked it down the chute).

The 20th century Art book, 07 Apr 2006
This a really good book for any art student, Artists are listed alphabetically and there is a page devoted to each. Photo of their typical work and brief synopsis and names of similiar artists. Want to buy a pressy for your favourite art student? This is the one. Also a very good book for anyone wanting to know a bit about art, take it round the galleries, slip it in your pocket. Just the right size.

An excellent synopis, 31 Dec 2002
A pocket-sized delight of a book and a great companion to any bookshelf, The 20th Century Art Book: Mini Edition is something you'll want to flick through regularly. Each page features an analysis of the greatest artists of this century, along with an image of a related artwork. Apart from the familiar faces, this book will educate and inspire you with stories of little-known artists you'll want to find out more about.

it's got everything, 08 Jun 2001
this is a good book, especially for art students or any big art fan. It has artists that even i have never heard before and the pictures are so clear that it shows the original colours

simple but effective, 27 Oct 2000
this book is not full of great detail about the works or the artists, but is a great reference tool to discover the names of similar artists and further areas to investigate. images are brilliant and captions are consise.

Art in Renaissance Italy, 13 Jul 2003
This book is a well researched and a thorough introduction to the art of renaissance Italy. It contains lots of full-page colour illustrations and has a nifty timeline at the back of the book. The author talks about how the art was created and its purpose.
I was expecting a headache after the second chapter but I was surprised to find it lucid and not migraine inducing at all.
It would provide anyone with a reliable introduction to this subject.

one of the best introductions to visual culture, 24 Feb 2004
This book is a splendid introduction to theories about visual culture. It opens up the sociological / psychodynamic / anthropological theories that exist about the visual media to laymen. Another good thing is that they do not focus on high culture visual media, but also on film, television, advertising, etc. This is what makes the book valuable to people who are specialized in neighbouring fields and who wish to know more about visual media (for instance, marketeers, perception psychologists, therapists, people studying politics, etc.). On every topic the background literature is made accessible by good references and a short introduction to these references. This is really helpful! For instance, i always wanted to know more about Barthes theorizing about myths, and how that applies to advertising, with this book i have a good introduction, but also a good guide that tells me how to find the relevant and more up to date literature on this topic.

the lighter fun book on the subject, 20 Nov 2003
This book is easy going introductory reading for undergraduate courses on the subject. It's relatively short, has lots of pictures and photos and is mostly about advertising, tv, and popular culture. It makes a nice change from weighty pompous academic essays and it's engaging and intelligent.

Splitting Attractive Hairs, 07 Jul 2007
This is the kind of book that History of Art departments throw at you early on in their courses to instil the right respect and awe for the whole academic ritual.

When I first saw this book at Birkbeck College (2003 History of Art MA) I was duly impressed and intimidated into thinking this was somehow a classic. In this work Baxandall is the exemplary academic, slowly building up a case from painstaking research and cleverly interpreted trivia.

This approach is fine and dandy until you reflect that at the end of it the conclusions Baxandall has laboured so hard to arrive at are perhaps a little banal -- i.e. Renaissance painting was influenced by such contemporary phenomenon as religious practices, dancing, and the ability to judge quantities by eye.

The only reason this book works as a book is that the Renaissance is such an attractive period that Baxandall's painstakingly dull technique receives a charming counterpoint in the endearing trivia of the period. Unfortunately this effect is not replicated in other works by Baxandall that I have looked at. To college students getting a dose of this, I would say, 'Enjoy the period, but think about how relevant this kind of hairsplitting really is.'


Lapis at 4 ducats the ounce..., 28 Jul 2004
As well as being a splendid introduction to the paintings and the philosophy behind them, this book is particularly good on the relationship between the artists and their rich patrons, and between the artists and their materials. It's full of intriguing details. Why, for example, pure blue is so rare as well as so rich -- at this period, all the lapis lazuli that European painters could use was mined from one mine (somewhere in Afghanistan) and imported solely through Venice... So it's no surprise to see patrons putting clauses in their contracts with their artists: "use the best blue at 4 ducats the ounce; don't try palming me off with any 2-ducat rubbish!"

If this is the sort of thing that makes you go "yippee!" and grin, as the past comes alive for you, then this is definitely the book for you.

A wonderful read, 04 Mar 2004
This is one of those books you can read (after believing you have a good grip on the subject) to discover how much you have missed! Excellent for those starting to study Italian fifteenth century art and very readable.

Almost uniquely among fine art books this one fits in a jacket pocket as it is a standard sized paperback. I disagree with the other reviewer who complained that it was lacking in illustrations (it isn't) but its small size does make the provision of sensible illustrations impossible and if you have other books on the period (or can use the Internet or a public library) you should have no trouble finding illustrations of any of the works mentioned.

Highly recommended, 24 Nov 2003
This tiny book is immensely helpful and interesting. It focuses on the ways in which critics in the fifteenth century judged paintings, and provides tools which can be used in analysing paintings from pretty much any period. So many art books are pretentious or difficult: this one is really informative and enlightening. It is educational in the best sense of the word.

An interesting perspective, 25 Aug 2003
I very much like this book. Although obviously an academic text, it's written in an easy-to-read style that's not overwhelming. I've studied this period of art history at some length, but the information provided in this brief work provides a fresh perspective, and I've seen some of my favourite paintings in a fresh light. I especially like the chapter on the 'language' of body posture - the idea that every posture had a specific meaning which viewers of that period would have immediately understood. It's made me go back and look at lots of works from the period and 'translate' their gestures! Great fun for lovers of art history! Recommended.

Vitamin D, 09 Nov 2007
This is a good book giving a visual and descritive insight into many artists. It explores their view and outlook and anspiration for art. I was recomended this book from my arts mentor to help in my development and feel it has done the trick. it brings art from all over the world and analysis it intellectually. although i don't like some of the art it still gives me an understanding of form and presentation. it is printing on good quality paper and is a book that you will flick through time and time again.

Sticky Moments!, 11 Apr 2008
This book was a really good read from beginning to end. I always thought Julian an interesting character when i was growing up. So reading this book intrigued me.

Very funny, sad, educational in ways too. A recommended read!

A mouthful you will never forget !?, 01 Jan 2008
Julian has always been an idol of mine - as a young adolescent, I felt there were no gay role models in my life or in the media. His amazing 'entrance' onto our small screens on trashy game show 'Trick or Treat' marked a turning point in my existence. Naturally, I followed his career keenly and was always a fan - 'Sticky Moments', 'Terry & Julian', stage shows, interviews, pantos, etc.

This book actually shatters the glamorous illusion that Julian created with 'The Joan Collins Fan Club' - he is open, candid and reveals an emotional honesty never before revealed. At times, with raised eyebrows, one wondered if it might have been best to leave SOME aspects of his life out of his autobiography - especially some of the sordid details involving his sex life. (Not that I am a prude, far from it, I would have liked Julian to have kept a little 'mystique' going - there is something ill-dignified about revealing TOO much and I wanted to preserve his dignity in my mind).

It is a fascinating journey, jaunty and jolly in places - melancholy in others, but it is all held together with a wry, witty verve and - of course - huge dollops of innuendo and favourite quotes of old. The pictures/ photos are revealing in their own way - one gets a refreshing sense that Julian really wanted to 'tell it how it really was' (all too often celebrities write wishy washy, sentimental, white-washed versions of their life).

This was addictive reading. Entertaining. Shocking. Funny. Touching. One got to feel what the real JC is like minus make-up. He is - like most comedians/celebs - caught up in his own dramas, is his own worst critic and often cannot see the impact he has on others due to his own selfishness/ conceitedness. Julian seemed to have more affection for the canines in his life than the other two-legged characters around him - but this further adds to his vulnerability and highlights his detachment from the realities of day-to-day life.

If you don't want to burst the glamour bubble - dont read this. If you want a slice of comedic indulgence with lots of campness & sex thrown in for good measure - then dive in for more than a few 'Sticky Moments' with Julian Clary !?

Entertaining and insightful!, 03 Aug 2007
I've been interested in Clary's career since first seeing him at the Edinburgh Fringe, many years ago. Consequently, I found this book an absolute treat, devouring it in a couple of days.
Clary's glosses over or ignores some things eg what happened to Sticky Moments ( which I loved!) and how was the sitcom "Terry and Julian" received? He went into more detail than I cared for, regarding sexual activity, but I suspect that was a selling point for the book!
Overall, I gained insight into Clary's life, personality and motivation and also into the world "alternative" comedy in the '80s. This was a very enjoyable and frequently amusing read.

Mildly entertaining but no Wuthering Heights, 05 Jun 2007
I picked up this book in a 3 for the price of 2 offer at W. H. Smiths (sorry Amazon). As such it did not cost me much. I ran through it in about 2 evenings, over dinner at a hotel. It was mildly entertaining but not wildly so. I passed it on to a gay friend of mine who enjoyed it much more than I did. Julian Clary seems to have glossed over most of his life. Even the sexy bits in the book were superficially handled. I believe, if you are going to bring sex into it, then do so wholeheartedly, not in a sniggering behind your hand sort of way.

Disappointed, 11 Nov 2006
I borrowed Julian Clary's autobiography - A Young Man's Passage - from my local library. I'm glad I didn't buy it. We're about the same age, we're both gay, and his journey through life has been quite different to mine. I expected to enjoy this book but, though I liked the first third, the rest of the book was shallow, and ended with a series of dull diary extracts (how lazy is that), closing in 1993. What a rip-off! No doubt Mr C's agent is busily negotiating big bucks for his client for a second instalment. His fans are being cheated. I used to be a fan. No longer. It sickens me that publishers collude in this kind of thing: chucking money at media celebrities to write their "autobiographies" with no thought given to the ability of the "author" to put something decent and worthwhile together. Mr C isn't the first to do this, and he won't be the last. My copy of Wendy Richard's autobiography (which I DID pay for) ended up in a local charity shop (though I nearly chucked it down the chute).

The 20th century Art book, 07 Apr 2006
This a really good book for any art student, Artists are listed alphabetically and there is a page devoted to each. Photo of their typical work and brief synopsis and names of similiar artists. Want to buy a pressy for your favourite art student? This is the one. Also a very good book for anyone wanting to know a bit about art, take it round the galleries, slip it in your pocket. Just the right size.

An excellent synopis, 31 Dec 2002
A pocket-sized delight of a book and a great companion to any bookshelf, The 20th Century Art Book: Mini Edition is something you'll want to flick through regularly. Each page features an analysis of the greatest artists of this century, along with an image of a related artwork. Apart from the familiar faces, this book will educate and inspire you with stories of little-known artists you'll want to find out more about.

it's got everything, 08 Jun 2001
this is a good book, especially for art students or any big art fan. It has artists that even i have never heard before and the pictures are so clear that it shows the original colours

simple but effective, 27 Oct 2000
this book is not full of great detail about the works or the artists, but is a great reference tool to discover the names of similar artists and further areas to investigate. images are brilliant and captions are consise.

Art in Renaissance Italy, 13 Jul 2003
This book is a well researched and a thorough introduction to the art of renaissance Italy. It contains lots of full-page colour illustrations and has a nifty timeline at the back of the book. The author talks about how the art was created and its purpose.
I was expecting a headache after the second chapter but I was surprised to find it lucid and not migraine inducing at all.
It would provide anyone with a reliable introduction to this subject.

One of the best overviews of Modern Architecture available, 26 Feb 2002
In covering well-trodden ground, William Curtis still manages to shed new light on the subject of Modern Architecture. Much has been written over the years, including Sigfried Giedion's seminal work, Space Time and Architecture, which sought to give Modern Architecture its proper perspective. Mr. Curtis seems greatly beholden to Giedion, especially in his interpretations of Le Corbusier, which comprise a sizeable chunk of this volume. Mr. Curtis downplays the polemics and focuses more on the individual contributions of an incredibly broad range of architects from the early 19th century to the present day.

Wonderful chapters encapsulate the various movements such as his piece on the Revolutionary Architecture of Russia, and how these ideas filtered through the various European architectural movements. He also covers the diaspora of Russian avant-garde architects, in subsequent chapters, to Germany, England, Israel and the United States and the tremendous impact they had in these countries.

However, the main focus is the way in which Modern architecture was constantly being reshaped into a regional architecture, highlighting such major figures as Alvar Aalto, Luis Barrigan, and Oscar Niemeyer, all of whom owed some debt to Le Corbusier.

This is a very even-handed account, perhaps too even-handed at times. It is a most valuable resource for anyone interesting in Modern architecture and the many forms and variations that it has taken over the 20th century.

A good book !, 12 Mar 1999
A good price for a book that all architecture students should have.

Exhausting rather than exhaustive, 30 Jul 1998
This is the 3rd edition of this book, and Curtis has certainly expanded his knowledge, to encompass areas of the world not covered in previous editions. In all fairness this is a useful primer for undergraduate students (though one is fearful that they will cling to Curtis's stereotypes), and the book is worth buying just for the chapters on Le Corbusier alone - Curtis being without doubt a major authority on Le Corbusier. But most of the other chapters are very thin and stero-typed. Curtis says that great architecture is felt with the heart, which is why he needs to see every building he writes about - a very fair and worthy comment - and yet he more or less reproduces received history, and clings to stereotypes; German Nazi architecture, for instance, is seen as very bad - even though of course one can only inspect them via photographs, as they were destroyed in the 2nd WW, BECAUSE they were Nazis. I have a particular interest in Finnish architecture, and was amazed t! o see that he has gotten one of the key names completely wrong! He writes about the constructivist architecture of Vormala, when in fact Vormala was not a constructivist; the person he really means is Vormala's former partner Heikki Kairamo!

one of the best introductions to visual culture, 24 Feb 2004
This book is a splendid introduction to theories about visual culture. It opens up the sociological / psychodynamic / anthropological theories that exist about the visual media to laymen. Another good thing is that they do not focus on high culture visual media, but also on film, television, advertising, etc. This is what makes the book valuable to people who are specialized in neighbouring fields and who wish to know more about visual media (for instance, marketeers, perception psychologists, therapists, people studying politics, etc.). On every topic the background literature is made accessible by good references and a short introduction to these references. This is really helpful! For instance, i always wanted to know more about Barthes theorizing about myths, and how that applies to advertising, with this book i have a good introduction, but also a good guide that tells me how to find the relevant and more up to date literature on this topic.

the lighter fun book on the subject, 20 Nov 2003
This book is easy going introductory reading for undergraduate courses on the subject. It's relatively short, has lots of pictures and photos and is mostly about advertising, tv, and popular culture. It makes a nice change from weighty pompous academic essays and it's engaging and intelligent.

Splitting Attractive Hairs, 07 Jul 2007
This is the kind of book that History of Art departments throw at you early on in their courses to instil the right respect and awe for the whole academic ritual.

When I first saw this book at Birkbeck College (2003 History of Art MA) I was duly impressed and intimidated into thinking this was somehow a classic. In this work Baxandall is the exemplary academic, slowly building up a case from painstaking research and cleverly interpreted trivia.

This approach is fine and dandy until you reflect that at the end of it the conclusions Baxandall has laboured so hard to arrive at are perhaps a little banal -- i.e. Renaissance painting was influenced by such contemporary phenomenon as religious practices, dancing, and the ability to judge quantities by eye.

The only reason this book works as a book is that the Renaissance is such an attractive period that Baxandall's painstakingly dull technique receives a charming counterpoint in the endearing trivia of the period. Unfortunately this effect is not replicated in other works by Baxandall that I have looked at. To college students getting a dose of this, I would say, 'Enjoy the period, but think about how relevant this kind of hairsplitting really is.'


Lapis at 4 ducats the ounce..., 28 Jul 2004
As well as being a splendid introduction to the paintings and the philosophy behind them, this book is particularly good on the relationship between the artists and their rich patrons, and between the artists and their materials. It's full of intriguing details. Why, for example, pure blue is so rare as well as so rich -- at this period, all the lapis lazuli that European painters could use was mined from one mine (somewhere in Afghanistan) and imported solely through Venice... So it's no surprise to see patrons putting clauses in their contracts with their artists: "use the best blue at 4 ducats the ounce; don't try palming me off with any 2-ducat rubbish!"

If this is the sort of thing that makes you go "yippee!" and grin, as the past comes alive for you, then this is definitely the book for you.

A wonderful read, 04 Mar 2004
This is one of those books you can read (after believing you have a good grip on the subject) to discover how much you have missed! Excellent for those starting to study Italian fifteenth century art and very readable.

Almost uniquely among fine art books this one fits in a jacket pocket as it is a standard sized paperback. I disagree with the other reviewer who complained that it was lacking in illustrations (it isn't) but its small size does make the provision of sensible illustrations impossible and if you have other books on the period (or can use the Internet or a public library) you should have no trouble finding illustrations of any of the works mentioned.

Highly recommended, 24 Nov 2003
This tiny book is immensely helpful and interesting. It focuses on the ways in which critics in the fifteenth century judged paintings, and provides tools which can be used in analysing paintings from pretty much any period. So many art books are pretentious or difficult: this one is really informative and enlightening. It is educational in the best sense of the word.

An interesting perspective, 25 Aug 2003
I very much like this book. Although obviously an academic text, it's written in an easy-to-read style that's not overwhelming. I've studied this period of art history at some length, but the information provided in this brief work provides a fresh perspective, and I've seen some of my favourite paintings in a fresh light. I especially like the chapter on the 'language' of body posture - the idea that every posture had a specific meaning which viewers of that period would have immediately understood. It's made me go back and look at lots of works from the period and 'translate' their gestures! Great fun for lovers of art history! Recommended.

Vitamin D, 09 Nov 2007
This is a good book giving a visual and descritive insight into many artists. It explores their view and outlook and anspiration for art. I was recomended this book from my arts mentor to help in my development and feel it has done the trick. it brings art from all over the world and analysis it intellectually. although i don't like some of the art it still gives me an understanding of form and presentation. it is printing on good quality paper and is a book that you will flick through time and time again.

Sticky Moments!, 11 Apr 2008
This book was a really good read from beginning to end. I always thought Julian an interesting character when i was growing up. So reading this book intrigued me.

Very funny, sad, educational in ways too. A recommended read!

A mouthful you will never forget !?, 01 Jan 2008
Julian has always been an idol of mine - as a young adolescent, I felt there were no gay role models in my life or in the media. His amazing 'entrance' onto our small screens on trashy game show 'Trick or Treat' marked a turning point in my existence. Naturally, I followed his career keenly and was always a fan - 'Sticky Moments', 'Terry & Julian', stage shows, interviews, pantos, etc.

This book actually shatters the glamorous illusion that Julian created with 'The Joan Collins Fan Club' - he is open, candid and reveals an emotional honesty never before revealed. At times, with raised eyebrows, one wondered if it might have been best to leave SOME aspects of his life out of his autobiography - especially some of the sordid details involving his sex life. (Not that I am a prude, far from it, I would have liked Julian to have kept a little 'mystique' going - there is something ill-dignified about revealing TOO much and I wanted to preserve his dignity in my mind).

It is a fascinating journey, jaunty and jolly in places - melancholy in others, but it is all held together with a wry, witty verve and - of course - huge dollops of innuendo and favourite quotes of old. The pictures/ photos are revealing in their own way - one gets a refreshing sense that Julian really wanted to 'tell it how it really was' (all too often celebrities write wishy washy, sentimental, white-washed versions of their life).

This was addictive reading. Entertaining. Shocking. Funny. Touching. One got to feel what the real JC is like minus make-up. He is - like most comedians/celebs - caught up in his own dramas, is his own worst critic and often cannot see the impact he has on others due to his own selfishness/ conceitedness. Julian seemed to have more affection for the canines in his life than the other two-legged characters around him - but this further adds to his vulnerability and highlights his detachment from the realities of day-to-day life.

If you don't want to burst the glamour bubble - dont read this. If you want a slice of comedic indulgence with lots of campness & sex thrown in for good measure - then dive in for more than a few 'Sticky Moments' with Julian Clary !?

Entertaining and insightful!, 03 Aug 2007
I've been interested in Clary's career since first seeing him at the Edinburgh Fringe, many years ago. Consequently, I found this book an absolute treat, devouring it in a couple of days.
Clary's glosses over or ignores some things eg what happened to Sticky Moments ( which I loved!) and how was the sitcom "Terry and Julian" received? He went into more detail than I cared for, regarding sexual activity, but I suspect that was a selling point for the book!
Overall, I gained insight into Clary's life, personality and motivation and also into the world "alternative" comedy in the '80s. This was a very enjoyable and frequently amusing read.

Mildly entertaining but no Wuthering Heights, 05 Jun 2007
I picked up this book in a 3 for the price of 2 offer at W. H. Smiths (sorry Amazon). As such it did not cost me much. I ran through it in about 2 evenings, over dinner at a hotel. It was mildly entertaining but not wildly so. I passed it on to a gay friend of mine who enjoyed it much more than I did. Julian Clary seems to have glossed over most of his life. Even the sexy bits in the book were superficially handled. I believe, if you are going to bring sex into it, then do so wholeheartedly, not in a sniggering behind your hand sort of way.

Disappointed, 11 Nov 2006
I borrowed Julian Clary's autobiography - A Young Man's Passage - from my local library. I'm glad I didn't buy it. We're about the same age, we're both gay, and his journey through life has been quite different to mine. I expected to enjoy this book but, though I liked the first third, the rest of the book was shallow, and ended with a series of dull diary extracts (how lazy is that), closing in 1993. What a rip-off! No doubt Mr C's agent is busily negotiating big bucks for his client for a second instalment. His fans are being cheated. I used to be a fan. No longer. It sickens me that publishers collude in this kind of thing: chucking money at media celebrities to write their "autobiographies" with no thought given to the ability of the "author" to put something decent and worthwhile together. Mr C isn't the first to do this, and he won't be the last. My copy of Wendy Richard's autobiography (which I DID pay for) ended up in a local charity shop (though I nearly chucked it down the chute).

The 20th century Art book, 07 Apr 2006
This a really good book for any art student, Artists are listed alphabetically and there is a page devoted to each. Photo of their typical work and brief synopsis and names of similiar artists. Want to buy a pressy for your favourite art student? This is the one. Also a very good book for anyone wanting to know a bit about art, take it round the galleries, slip it in your pocket. Just the right size.

An excellent synopis, 31 Dec 2002
A pocket-sized delight of a book and a great companion to any bookshelf, The 20th Century Art Book: Mini Edition is something you'll want to flick through regularly. Each page features an analysis of the greatest artists of this century, along with an image of a related artwork. Apart from the familiar faces, this book will educate and inspire you with stories of little-known artists you'll want to find out more about.

it's got everything, 08 Jun 2001
this is a good book, especially for art students or any big art fan. It has artists that even i have never heard before and the pictures are so clear that it shows the original colours

simple but effective, 27 Oct 2000
this book is not full of great detail about the works or the artists, but is a great reference tool to discover the names of similar artists and further areas to investigate. images are brilliant and captions are consise.

Art in Renaissance Italy, 13 Jul 2003
This book is a well researched and a thorough introduction to the art of renaissance Italy. It contains lots of full-page colour illustrations and has a nifty timeline at the back of the book. The author talks about how the art was created and its purpose.
I was expecting a headache after the second chapter but I was surprised to find it lucid and not migraine inducing at all.
It would provide anyone with a reliable introduction to this subject.

One of the best overviews of Modern Architecture available, 26 Feb 2002
In covering well-trodden ground, William Curtis still manages to shed new light on the subject of Modern Architecture. Much has been written over the years, including Sigfried Giedion's seminal work, Space Time and Architecture, which sought to give Modern Architecture its proper perspective. Mr. Curtis seems greatly beholden to Giedion, especially in his interpretations of Le Corbusier, which comprise a sizeable chunk of this volume. Mr. Curtis downplays the polemics and focuses more on the individual contributions of an incredibly broad range of architects from the early 19th century to the present day.

Wonderfu