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As stated by others this book could use some improvements, such as more visual examples, whether artworks or charts/graphs especially in chapters 3 and 4 so that students can better grasp some of the basic concepts of elements and principles. Also, a nice feature that is lacking here but which exists in Living with Art 9th ed. is cross-referencing of artwork examples so that students better understand the universality of the exemplified concept.

This book ignored classical artists as pointed out by another reviewer, and instead put the focus on some random contemporary (still alive) artists, who did very little in term of accomplishments. This book is used as an introduction to art, but it is an inaccurate introduction, at an inflated price. Students should be learning the origins of art and the reasons for its developments in different parts of the world, not examples on how some popular artists do art today in America.

Honestly I ordered this for a art course and I wasn't that thrilled about the book. A lot of it was stuff I could have simply opened my Art History textbook for or looked up online. I rarely actually used the book for class unless there was something I couldn't find anywhere else. I felt like there was a lot of irrelevant information that really didn't make sense in certian aspects of the learning. If I would of known beforehand that the book was useless I would have never even ordered it.

I paid for a brand new book, when it got here the first two pages in the book were ripped out but set in the book (I was going to ignore that fact because the pages were at least set in the book), multiple pencil writings in the book, and pages 147-162 are ripped out and missing, I just contacted the seller today.
The company contacted me and are sending me a new one and letting me use the damaged book until I receive the new book without an extra charge, I think they handled this really well so that's why I changed my star rating from a one star to a four.

I think this was my favorite art history book. I have had my share of them from high school up until college and this one was probably the best read. The material wasn't dry or hard to read, I felt engaged the entire book, and the artwork was displayed beautifully. If you have to get this book for school I think you will enjoy it. If you are looking for a art history book to read just because, this book is for you.

I personally think that art is a waste of time and only got the book for a required class. However, the book was very informative and it was a quick and bearable read. I think that it was a great book (for an art book at least :P)

This is a great tool for an art appreciation class. All the artwork is displayed in vivid colors and clear. The text is informative, however it is not the most interesting book to read. As previously stated, it is good for a textbook though. Mine was purchased used, however, it still appeared to be new. All of the pages were in tact and I'm excellent condition. The book's expedient arrival made it easy for me to have the book in time for my class.

My copy was used, but served it's purpose well. Nice images, this worked for me in an art appreciation class where the teacher requested a newer version of the text. Since the quizzes were mainly about terms and works of art, this older edition was fine.

As an art professor who has taught with a number of different art appreciation/intro to art textbooks, I can say there is no single perfect text that fits my needs. I am, therefore, one who teaches the subject matter of art, not just "teaching to the text" as so many tend to do.

As to this particular textbook, I do feel it is on the higher end of offerings for such courses. It could use some improvements, such as more visual examples, whether artworks or charts/graphs especially in chapters 3 and 4 so that students can better grasp some of the basic concepts of elements and principles. Also, a nice feature that is lacking here but which exists in Living with Art 9th ed. is cross-referencing of artwork examples so that students better understand the universality of the exemplified concept.

Despite the few flaws listed above, the 9th edition is FAR superior in my opinion to the brand new 10th edition. Unfortunately, it is not in my power to decide which edition is used and I must abide by the college's decision. Thus, my students will unfortunately have to pay for a more expensive yet inferior required product. This is not to say that the 10th edition is terrible, though it is now confusingly organized in a few chapters; but I am appalled that the author chose to skim on his treatment of the basic necessary elements of art and to omit texture entirely. And it confuses most students to tell them to study the principles of design when the chapter covering them is now called "How an Artwork is Built" and only mentions the phrase "principles of design" once that is not in any way emphasized though this is what they have been called for eons. Luckily, the 9th edition still dedicates an entire chapter to all of the elements of art and is well organized in general.

All in all, the 9th edition is a great buy that I would prefer to continue using in my courses if I were allowed. So for any other instructors searching for an inexpensive and good text to use if your institution allows such flexibility, this is a good choice. As I said before, I don't teach to the text and instead utilize the general concepts covered along with my own supplemental online materials (as I find those offered by most of the textbook companies lacking in either clarity, relevance, or are too specific to what is written exactly in the text). But this also keeps me on my toes and the subject fresh for me year after year. So for instructors, I suggest using this along with older editions of Living with Art (Getlein) and/or even World of Art (Sayre) in your personal "toolbox" of instructional materials to offer your students the broadest and most thorough treatment of the subject as each text offers something just a little different from the others.Living with Art Living with Art A World of Art