Giorgio VasariThe Lives of the Artists (Oxford World's Classics)

The historical significance of this book is huge because most experts agree that this is the first art history book produced. It has some interesting anecdotes and life stories. But it can get very repetitive because renaissance Italian art only had one subject -- religion. And I mean no disrespect, but it's chapter after chapter of descriptions of 'He painted this martyr and that saint at this and that chapel.' Most history books can be dull so this book is par for the course. If you like art history this book is a good read and I do recommend it.

Vasari gives us the inside scoop: how pals Donatello and Brunelleschi explored Rome (back when it was a fetid dump), decoding ancient architecture. How Brunelleschi’s losing the contest for the Baptistry doors freed him up to build his masterful cathedral dome, and how he won that contest using an egg. How Leonardo died in King Francis’s arms. How Michelangelo got around the Pope’s micromanagement.Never mind that some of these stories are apocryphal. Vasari shows us the blooming of the Renaissance, almost in real time, in the political and economic context that drove its development.

If you want to read footnotes, which is almost indispensable in a work like this, you're out of luck.They aren't numbered, believe it or not. And there are hundreds of them.Go figure.

A recommended book. Very informative and interesting. It's one thing to read about history as written my modern authors, it's an entirely different thing to read about history from contemporary authors. Though much of the history is prior to Giorgio, he's far more connected to the times before his, than we are to the same.

This book was required for a college course I took on the Renaissance and the Reformation. This book arrived in perfect condition despite how it was shipped without padding in the box. The book is broken down by specific artists and for the most part follows the line of teacher to student, and on and on. Each segment goes over some relevant history into their lives, their styles, and the influences of the Renaissance. Very reasonable read that I found quite enjoyable, highly suggest.

I bought this book to supplement information about artists whose works are featured on the stamps of Vatican City. The book provides a useful source of contemporary anecdotes about many of the great artists of the 15th and 16th centuries.....all very useful even with the passage of half a millennium.

A fascinating look at the lives of many fantastic artists. It was also wonderful to learn of other artists that are not in the normal Art History textbooks. A wonderful addition to my Art History books for use in my research papers.

This is only a selection of the work, which is not expressly stated. Boo. And it’s lopsided. DaVinci has 11 pages and Michelangelo over 44. Lame.

This book was a Christmas gift I gave to my sister, a retired art teacher. She liked it very much. Based on her expertise in art, I'll assume a five-star rating.

Book as described. Arrived well before estimated date. Thank you.

Tiring, extensive and a little bit boring... at least for me

The book arrived on time. It is ofcourse a volume from Oxford World Classics. These books are very well produced and the prices are low compared to the quality offered. All in all a very good experience.Vasari ‘s book is a very important book for serious art students. It is a classic.Amazon delivery was as usual excellent.

it's fundamental to understand Renaissance art. The Artist as a VIP begins with Vasari.