%% This is a multi-book review. SEE the title Chagall for next imprint and review text. %% (Reviewed March 1, 1998)

These revised large-format art books place their subjects in historical, social, cultural, and stylistic context. The pages are busy; each double-page spread addresses one aspect in a short main paragraph, then also includes sidebars, captions for the many color reproductions, and usually a central illustration. There's a lot of good information, but the books' organization is rather loose. Timeline, websites. Glos., ind.

Ideal for both introduction and review, the six titles in this series address the individual artists Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh and the art and cultural movements of the Renaissance and Impressionism. The Art of the Renaissance encompasses this extraordinary era of creative vivacity admirably and highlights many of the arts, including architecture, drama, music, painting, sculpture, and weaving. The importance of Gutenberg's printing press is not overlooked. The series was first published in Italy, and the European perspective is evident in this book. Although the High Renaissance is featured, it is not the sole focus as in many American books on the topic. Van Gogh details the artist's short, unhappy life. The text also includes information concerning his painting techniques and themes, influences by other artists of the time, places he visited, and happenings in the world around him. Organized so that each double-page spread represents a theme that ties into the content, these slim books are packed with relevant and interesting subject matter. With a mix of detailed original illustrations and photographs of exceptional works of art, abundant information is conveyed in the visual images alone. The print size on each page designates the importance of content. Reading the large print will give teens basic knowledge, while the small print is certain to help with the preparation of the most detailed trivia game. These books would be a fine addition to any library or art department collection.-Lynne Farrell Stover.