Schirmer's Encyclopedia of Art

Author Ann Landi
Published by Schirmer Reference

Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin 20 Best Bets for Student Researchers 2002

This lavishly illustrated full-color encyclopedia provides a complete survey of world art from prehistory to the present. More than 400 A-to-Z entries written by scholars and area specialists cover painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, movements and genres around the world -- from Europe and Asia to South America and the Middle East. Designed with more than 500 color illustrations, sidebars, timelines, cross-references, definitions in the margins and other student-friendly features, Schirmer's Encyclopedia of Art is the most authoritative, comprehensive art resource for students available.

Review:

"Good quality paper, 300 color illustrations, and an excellently designed reference tool. Also, unlike many art surveys, the Schirmer Encyclopedia of Art is not completely Eurocentric; art from non-Western countries abounds. Some 400 entries (including 300 biographies) run from a few paragraphs to a few pages in length and are clearly written; small caps within the text indicate cross references. The best feature is the layout, particularly the inclusion of definitions in the three-inch margins (An asterisk in the text marks words that are defined). Volume 4 contains both a cumulative index and a Suggested resources section (which includes both online resources anda topically arranged bibliography). This encyclopedia does its job well and is suitable for its intended audience. ... Recommended with reservations for libraries with a younger clientele in need of a well-illustrated, easy-to-use, basic resource about art history."
-- Library Journal (April 2002)

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