History & Criticism

An epic quest exposes hidden truths about Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, therecently discovered masterpiece that sold for $450 million - and might not be the real thing....

Have your sense of art history overturned and your eyes opened to many artforms often ignored or dismissed. From the Cornish coast to Manhattan, Nigeria to Japan, this is the history of art as it's never been told before....

The Rescue Artist is a rollicking narrative that carries listeners deep inside the art underworld - and introduces them to a large and colorful cast of titled aristocrats, intrepid investigators, and thick-necked thugs. But most compelling of all is Charley Hill himself....

Five women revolutionize the modern art world in postwar America in this "gratifying, generous, and lush" true story from a National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize finalist (Jennifer Szalai, New York Times)....

The unforgettable, unknown history of colors and the vivid stories behind them....

Poet and essayist Cathy Park Hong fearlessly and provocatively blends memoir, cultural criticism, and history to expose fresh truths about racialized consciousness in America. Part memoir and part cultural criticism, this collection is vulnerable, humorous, and provocative....

Arriving as a young writer in an ancient Dutch town, Benjamin Moser found himself visiting—casually at first, and then more and more obsessively—the country's great museums....

Jerry Saltz is one of our most-watched writers about art and artists and a passionate champion of the importance of art in our shared cultural life. Since the 1990s he has been an indispensable cultural voice: Witty and provocative, he has attracted contemporary listeners to fine art....

The Swedish painter Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) was forty-four years old when she broke with the academic tradition in which she had been trained to produce a body of radical, abstract works the likes of which had never been seen before....

A wild and unexpected journey through culture, science, philosophy, and religion to better understand the mercurial genius of William Blake....

In this vivid and captivating journey through the colors of an artist’s palette, Victoria Finlay takes us on an enthralling adventure around the world and through the ages, illuminating how the colors we choose to value have determined the history of culture itself....

In 2010, the BBC and the British Museum embarked on an ambitious project: to tell the story of 2,000,000 years of human history using 100 objects selected from the museum's vast and renowned collection....

Like Love is a momentous, raucous collection of essays drawn from twenty years of Maggie Nelson's brilliant work. These profiles, reviews, remembrances, tributes, and critical essays, as well as several conversations with friends and idols, bring to life Nelson's passion for dialogue and dissent.

The meteoric rise of the largest unregulated financial market in the world - for contemporary art - is driven by a few passionate, guileful, and very hard-nosed dealers. They can make and break careers and fortunes....

Rembrandt Is in the Wind is an invitation to discover some of the world's most celebrated artists and works and how each of them illuminates something about God, people, and the purpose of life....

The Alexandre Dumas Collection, with its deep roots in French history, sheds light on the innate sense of honor, duty, responsibility, and love felt by those who lived during the time. Listen as the author takes you on a historical journey to a time when men fought to the death....

Spanning from the classical sculpture of Ancient Rome to contemporary performance art, this guide provides a rich overview of art history, covering many topics explored in a history of art degrees....

What is art? Why do we value images of saints, kings, goddesses, battles, landscapes or cities from eras of history utterly remote from ourselves....

An expertly crafted work of reportage, memoir, and biography on the subject of loneliness told through the lives of six iconic artists....

Even 150 years later, we are haunted by the Civil War---by its division, its bloodshed, and perhaps, above all, by its origins....

Each night, when the hours of painting and drawing were over, Vincent van Gogh put pen to paper and poured out his heart through letters to his beloved brother Theo, his confidant and companion....

At the same time Adolf Hitler was attempting to take over the western world, his armies were methodically seeking and hoarding the finest art treasures in Europe.....

Craig Childs bears witness to rock art of the Colorado Plateau—bighorn sheep pecked behind boulders, tiny spirals in stone, human figures with upraised arms shifting with the desert light, each one a portal to the open mouth of time....

Plutarchs's (46-120 A.D.) epic chronicle of the lives of great Grecians and Romans....

First published in 1973, this is a study of the force of photographic images, which are continually inserted between experience and reality....

"Conquer the CLEP Humanities Exam" is your comprehensive guide to mastering the Humanities exam. Covering a broad range of topics drawn from the entire history of art and culture, this study guide will help you excel in literature, drama, poetry, fiction, nonfiction, philosophy, and the arts. Delve into the rich tapestry of human expression with chapters dedicated to literature, drama, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction, spanning from Classical to Medieval and Renaissance, 17th and 18th centuries, 19th century, and 20th century works. Explore the diverse cultural contributions of African, ...

When Orlando Whitfield met Inigo Philbrick, they were ambitious art history students who dreamt of dealing art for a living. Their friendship would last for fifteen years until one day, Inigo - by then the most successful dealer of his generation - disappeared, accused of a fraud so gigantic and audacious it rocked the art world to its core.

Dive into the mesmerizing world of art with "The Visual Revolution," an enthralling eBook that takes you on a journey through the groundbreaking art movements that shaped our world. Discover the pivotal artists, daring trends, and revolutionary ideas that forever changed the course of art history. Unravel the fascinating story of late 19th-century art movements that set the stage for the birth of modernism, as "The Visual Revolution" leads you through Art Nouveau, Symbolism, and the revolutionary work of Paul Cézanne. Delve into the vibrant world of German Expressionism and the unique ...

Step into an artistic journey that spans across time and cultures with the enthralling eBook, Shaping Humanity. Immerse yourself in the rich history of human representation in art and discover how our perceptions of the human form have evolved throughout the ages. This captivating eBook delves into the fascinating world of art, blending every form of artistic expression to reveal how the human figure has been interpreted and celebrated across the globe. In Shaping Humanity, you will explore the ancient world's early attempts at depicting the human form and how Egyptian art stylized and ...

Embark on an extraordinary visual journey through the stunning artistic heritage of Australia and Oceania with "Vibrant Australia and Oceania"! This captivating eBook unveils the rich, diverse, and inspiring world of art from these fascinating regions. Allow yourself to be immersed in the intricate tapestry of traditional Oceanian art and the indigenous roots of Australian artistic expressions as you navigate each chapter. Discover the stories held within each stroke of a masterpiece as you explore remarkable art forms, from the complex patterns of Maori culture to the captivating beauty of...

Embark on a captivating journey through the threads of time with "Weaving Through History," the enthralling eBook that entwines the rich tapestry of our past with the fibers of our cultural fabric. Delve deep into an odyssey that spans across global civilizations, unraveling the pivotal role textiles have played in shaping our world. As you turn the virtual pages of this comprehensive exploration, you will discover the profound influence that textiles have exerted on society—from defining cultural identity to dictating economic fate. Each chapter meticulously interlaces historical ...

Embark on a transformative journey with "The Alchemy of Air and Fire," the ultimate chronicle of the profound world of glass blowing. From the ancient craft's whispered origins to the dazzling technological frontiers, this compelling eBook unravels the enigmatic connection between art and science, creativity and sustainability, history and the fast-paced digital future. Dive into the fascinating evolution of glass art, where the whirlwind of history meets the meticulous advancements of modern techniques. "The Alchemy of Air and Fire" is your invitation into an exclusive realm where molten ...

Step through "Through the Looking Glass" and embark on a captivating journey across time and fire, where the ancient art of glassblowing is both celebrated and unraveled. This enthralling eBook is a deep dive into the heart of a craft that has shaped human history and artistic expression for centuries. Whether you are an avid art collector, a student of material science, or simply a curious mind, prepare to be taken on an adventure that shines a light on this delicate yet potent form of creation. From the sands of ancient Mesopotamia to the innovative studios of today's master artisans, "...

Embark upon a mesmerizing journey into the heart of shimmering beauty, luminous histories, and the remarkable craftsmanship with "Translucent Bonds." This exquisite eBook unveils the profound narrative of glass art, from its ancient roots to the innovative frontiers that shape our world today. "Translucent Bonds" is not merely a book; it’s an odyssey through the radiant world of glass, across continents and through centuries of innovation. You will traverse through time to encounter the glass artifacts that dazzled ancient civilizations and absorb the culturally rich symbols that glass ...

Dive into the rich tapestry of contemporary art with "Stitched Modernity," the ultimate eBook for anyone captivated by the intersection of tradition and innovation in the world of embroidery. This captivating volume unspools the vibrant threads of embroidery's evolution, taking you on a journey through its transformation into a boundary-pushing art form. Are you intrigued by the resurgence of embroidery in modern art and design? "Stitched Modernity" is your curated guide, exploring how this ancient craft has been reimagined by artists who stitch their narratives into every piece. With an ...

Step into "Weaving the Future," a revolutionary eBook that invites you on an odyssey through the fusion of art, technology, and cultural expression. This transformative journey will shift your perspective on how art forms from the past embolden modern innovation and cultural sustainability. Embark on an exploration of our artistic heritage and how it intertwines with technological evolution in Chapter 1. Witness the profound transformation of mediums, from the tactile to the digital, and be amazed by how the resurgence of artisanal techniques meld with the digital age in Chapter 2. As you ...

Dive into the time-honored tradition that binds cultures across the globe with "Tanned Tales" - a fascinating journey through the world of hide tanning. This compelling eBook encapsulates the essence of an art form that has been shaping human civilization since the dawn of time. Exploring this craft's rich tapestry, you will be enveloped in a story that spans continents, cultures, and centuries. Embark on a historical odyssey in Chapter 1, where the cultural significance of hide tanning is unveiled, casting light on its symbolic and societal roles through time. From the earliest methods to ...

Discover a world of intricate beauty, a realm where art converges with history, culture, and a touch of magic. "Tiny Treasures" is your passport to the enchanting universe of miniature painting, a phenomenon that has captivated enthusiasts and collectors for centuries. Navigate through the delicate interplay of brush strokes and colors on canvases that defy the constraints of size, revealing the limitless potential of human creativity. Embark on this mesmerizing literary odyssey that unveils the rich tapestry of the miniature art form - from its storied origins to the dynamic contemporary ...

**fleur-de-lis Discover "Threaded Horizons," Your Gateway to the Mesmerizing World of Modern Embroidery fleur-de-lis** Embark on a fascinating exploration of embroidery as "Threaded Horizons" guides you through the threads of time, from its historical roots to its vibrant resurgence in today's digital era. This captivating eBook is your comprehensive compendium, unraveling the rich tapestry of embroidery's past, present, and future. Prepare to be enthralled by **The Resurgence of Embroidery**, where you will delve into the craft's cultural renaissance and the ripples it has caused in the ...

Discover "The Essence of Less," a transformative journey that invites you to strip away the superfluous and embrace the profound power of simplicity. Venture into the heart of minimalism where less is infinitely more and unlock the secrets of living a life unencumbered by needless excess. The narrative begins with "Prelude to Simplicity," unveiling minimalism's myriad definitions and tracing its rich historical roots, from ancient philosophies to contemporary movements. As you delve into the "Genesis of Minimalism," witness the interplay of Eastern thought with pioneering European art ...