A pioneering work in the movement to free art from its traditional bonds to material reality; this book is one of the most important documents in the history of modern art. Written by the famous nonobjective painter Wassily Kandinsky (1866ndash;1944); it explains Kandinskys own theory of painting and crystallizes the ideas that were influencing many other modern artists of the period. Along with his own groundbreaking paintings; this book had a tremendous impact on the development of modern art.Kandinskys ideas are presented in two parts. The first part; called "About General Aesthetic;" issues a call for a spiritual revolution in painting that will let artists express their own inner lives in abstract; non-material terms. Just as musicians do not depend upon the material world for their music; so artists should not have to depend upon the material world for their art. In the second part; "About Painting;" Kandinsky discusses the psychology of colors; the language of form and color; and the responsibilities of the artist. An Introduction by the translator; Michael T. H. Sadler; offers additional explanation of Kandinskys art and theories; while a new Preface by Richard Stratton discusses Kandinskys career as a whole and the impact of the book. Making the book even more valuable are nine woodcuts by Kandinsky himself that appear at the chapter headings.This English translation of Uuml;ber das Geistige in der Kunst was a significant contribution to the understanding of nonobjectivism in art. It continues to be a stimulating and necessary reading experience for every artist; art student; and art patron concerned with the direction of 20th-century painting.
#164692 in eBooks 2012-04-20 2012-03-23File Name: B00A3YE9SW
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great Reference!By CustomerThis book is based in part on Racinets "Le Costume Historique;" one of the first encyclopedic reviews of costumes worn throughout the ages and around the world. this book includes other sources as well. The text is concise but very informative. I especially appreciate the extensive Glossary. I really enjoy reading historical fiction and biographies; and so this is a very useful reference in helping me imagine what the characters are wearing.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. History of Costume -- a book at which to startBy Cherryl WalkerThis book contains some basic lay-outs for historical clothing; from ancient Egypt up to the 1860s and 1870s. Of course; many decades have elapsed since the publication of this book. You will want to cross-reference its contents to what you can find on the internet today. Google is an invaluable source of illustrations and advice!Various garments are illustrated from the back as well as from the front; along with their underpinnings. There are color plates that show actual people wearing the garments being illustrated. Actual outfits from museums are included as well. Hairstyles are nicely represented.Nowadays; the major pattern companies -- Butterick; Simplicity; Vogue; and others -- have whole sections of patterns for historical attire; from he 1870s all the way back to ancient Egypt. Finding the fabrics is going to be an even greater challenge than putting together a workable pattern. (I have had it said to me that you have to go to an upholstery store to find equivalents of the damasks; brocades; and the like.)In conclusion; I can say that with some historical attire; you are lucky to find any patterns as a guide at all! Being a good seamstress/tailor; or having such a craftsperson on your side can help in putting together the accurate costume that you want.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I enjoyed this book a lotBy Gail A. KelloggI enjoyed this book a lot; and have found much of the information helpful. Some of it has to be taken with a grain of salt; but for its time; it is a good book.