The arts A visual encyclopedia

This addition to the Visual Encyclopedia series covers a broad range of traditions in painting, sculpture, photography, music, and dance, from early civilizations to the present. Photographs and reproduced artwork provide vivid examples of artistic genres and styles, as well as prominent creators. The section on painting, by far the most expansive of the five, introduces significant movements-including baroque, romanticism, impressionism, and cubism-and profiles influential painters. If flipping from a portrait of Stravinsky to a spread featuring Bob Dylan, Beyoncé, and Jay Z catches readers off guard, it speaks to the breadth of material covered. The final chapter on dance looks at ancient, folk, and national dances, as well as contemporary crazes and styles, including krumping and body popping. It's a substantial addition to a home library. Ages 8-12. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 4-8-This eye-catching offering chronologically explores the history of painting, sculpture, photography, music, and dance. Painting, for instance (which receives the most attention), starts with a look at cave drawings and ends with an examination of contemporary artists such as Gerhard Richter and Ibrahim El-Salahi. The intended audience will likely recognize many of the topics: Leonardo da Vinci, Egypt's Sphinx, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin, and ballet. Other individuals, such as sculptor and painter Louise Bourgeois, may be less familiar. Coverage is up-to-date (for dance, there's a page on 2016's La La Land), but overwhelmingly rooted in European art forms, and though informative, like many DK titles, the book provides only a brief treatment of each topic. A useful glossary and index round out the volume. VERDICT Just what audiences expect from DK-pertinent facts surrounded by enticing illustrations. A solid starting point for students researching the arts.-Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.