Review of History of Art and Treasures in Your Home
Steve Brock
HISTORY OF ART, FIFTH EDITION, by H.W. Janson, revised and expanded
by Anthony F. Janson. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 100 Fifth Ave., N.Y.,
NY 10011, (800) 345-1359, FAX: (212) 645-8437. Illustrated (1266
photographs total, 775 in color), index, bibliography, glossary,
timelines. 960 pp., $60.00 cloth. 0-8109-3421-3
Reviewed by Steve Brock
Anthony Janson has completely revised his father's stalwart and
visually stimulating college textbook which was first published in
1962, essentially rewriting the entire text to include more detail,
adding a chapter on Post-Modernism, including primary source
readings to conclude each chapter, creating new timelines, and
redrawing many of the graphics. A classic gets new life. Grade:
A+.
TREASURES IN YOUR HOME: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO ANTIQUES AND THEIR
PRICES, edited by David Battie. Reader's Digest Association,
Reader's Digest Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570-7000, (800) 431-1726,
(914) 238-4559 FAX. Illustrated, index, four appendices. 544 pp.,
$40.00 cloth. 0-89577-593-X
Reviewed by Steve Brock
Battie, director of Sotheby's, gives short shrift to collecting
antiques in this guide that promises excitement, but delivers
frustration. In his attempt at comprehensiveness, each type of
collectible is, in most cases, given cursory attention in only one
or two pages. The prices, listed below the photographed examples,
are in English pounds and are largely out-of-date. A solid
reference section, with buying and selling advice and tips on
caring for antiques, does not make up for the topical drawbacks.
Collectors will do better to purchase a guide devoted entirely to
their specific area of collection. Grade: C-.