Greek Art and Archaeology: Book spine or cover with flaws

Author: (American) Pedley
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2005-08-01
Features: This book explores the development of Greek art and civilization across three millennia, from the mysterious yet beautiful Cycladic figurines and Crete pottery of the Bronze Age to the Baroque-style sculptures, mosaics, and houses of the Hellenistic period, incorporating the latest archaeological discoveries. The book's distinctive thematic boxes also allow readers to see more vivid aspects of Greek culture. Throughout the book, the author blends his narrative with insightful explanations, complemented by carefully selected illustrations, clear diagrams, and charts, presenting the most magnificent fragments of Greek art to beginners. The main purpose of this book is to show beginners—whether students in school or those studying at home—the most magnificent fragments of Greek archaeology. The definition of terminology is important: According to the definition, archaeology also includes art, but it is often considered a discipline that primarily involves the craftsmanship of unearthed artifacts rather than their aesthetic value, and focuses on reconstructing information materials rather than studying accumulated evidence. In exercises, visual arts are usually thought to include painting and sculpture, but architecture is not always included. Since the basic theme of this book follows the evolution of architecture, architectural sculpture, sculpture, painting, and pottery (some of which are painted, and some are not), it is best to give the book the name it currently has: Greek Art and Archaeology. Another purpose of this book is to help beginners better understand Greek art and archaeological literature. Therefore, the book particularly emphasizes and extensively cites illustrative materials, and the text structure is systematically arranged to help readers grasp the overall context more easily. The introduction at the beginning of each chapter provides historical background; chapters 2 to 3 discuss the art and archaeology of the Bronze Age in Greece by region, with the focus successively on Crete, the Cyclades, the Greek mainland, and Troy. The remaining chapters (4 to 10) are divided by type of evidence—architecture, sculpture, wall painting, and pottery. Architecture and architectural sculpture are introduced together to give readers a more concentrated overall impression of a single building. The glossary at the end of the book explains some unfamiliar or technical terms, hoping to be helpful to readers.