intelligent
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A set text in art schools this will help you see where art students get all their original ideas from, The SOTN is an excellent book, not light reading but weighty intelligent and written with all the gusto and opinion that Robert Hughes appraoches everything. Excellent stuff.
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A classic, and for good reason
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Hughes has the gift of producing an extraordinarily well turned phrase that, without being needlessly complex, can encapsulate a big idea with ease. Where better to employ such a skill than in explaining the history of modern art? Through each of the thematic chapters Hughes keeps his story grounded in the history of the 20th century, demonstrating how modernism sought to describe the experience of that era and that for many key art movements this was a practical task of vital importance. To bring that vitality and immediacy back through the well-chosen example and well-turned phrase is the heart of this book's success. Hughes expresses views with which other art historians may disagree, but this book is perhaps the best way into the subject as a whole.
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An excellent introduction to the world of modern art
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Robert Hughes has written a very readable and extremely informative introduction to developments in 20th century art. This illustrated book was originally written to accompany a TV series of the same name. Whilst focusing primarily on art, neither architecture nor design are overlooked. The social, political and economic contexts of artistic development (such as the impact of war and totalitarianism) are not forgotten - as the subtitle "art and the century of change" suggests. Any person interested in modern art (and the contexts leading to emergence of styles) will enjoy and ought to read this book.
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Brilliant!
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This book is absolutely great to read and provides a critical understanding of the course of modern art, not so much in a chronological sense but relating each art currents and/or artists to present a clearer idea on its background and concepts. A very pleasant reading whilst raising issues that make the reader rethink the reasons behind each significant art moment.
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