I totally agree. I have used both the first and second editions of Stokstad
for Art history survey courses. I just finished re-reading the 2nd Ed and it
is an easy to read, relevant text. Gombrich and Janson have tried to stay
current, but they are still full of stilted, over-the-top pedantic writing.
Not good for beginners.

 

Dan Tomberlin

 <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]

Carpe Diem "Seize the Day"

Those who can, do. Those who believe others can also, teach.

 

 

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Julia Moore
Sent: Wednesday, June 22, 2005 4:26 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Reading List

 

I would like to take issue with the Janson and Gombrich recommendations for
an art history background reader.  I have found that a better, more complete
and DIVERSE text is by Marilyn Stokstad.  It comes in a 1-volume "condensed"
version that is good for art appreciation classes, or a 2-volume version
that is more appropriate for a 101 class for art history majors.  

 

Julia Muney Moore

Public Art Administrator

Blackburn Architects, Indianapolis, IN

(317) 875-5500 x230

 

  _____  

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Ware Petznick
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2005 5:57 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Reading List

 

Carrie

 

We don't have an official reading list, but a few books come instantly to
mind for basic museum knowledge. 

 

1) Caring for Your Collections

2) Malaro, Marie C. A Legal Primer on Managing Museum Collections.
Washington, DC:.
Smithsonian Institution Press, 1998.

3) The National Trust for Historic Preservation Technical Leaflets
(particularly if you have a historic house museum)

 

But as your question deals more with objects, I should try to answer it more
directly. Ultimately your mission should drive the type and nature of
acquisitions, so if you are a Native American pottery museum, then your
prime texts will naturally be different than mine for a turn of the century
Colonial Revival home. To try to boil down basic art and basic history in a
few texts is too difficult but I shall try. That being said.

 

1) Malaro's Legal Primer again . I can't emphasize enough the important
message of this book, and that being fiscally responsible for a public
collection. Likewise, I would recommend the Caring for your Collections
book, because when you consider adding to your collection you should think
long and hard about the long-term care of it. 

2)
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0131828959/qid=1119393923/sr=
8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/104-1986821-4563147?v=glance&s=books&n=507846> History of
Art, Revised (Trade Version) (6th Edition) by Anthony F. Janson is a good
basic text.

3)
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0714832472/qid=1119393923/sr=
8-10/ref=pd_ka_3/104-1986821-4563147?v=glance&s=books&n=507846> The Story of
Art by E.H. Gombrich has been a standard Art 101 for many years. It is an
easy read and good survey for its time. 

4) For more objects, I would seek a guide to a decorative arts museum, e.g.
an MFA Boston general catalog or the Guide to the Victoria and Albert Museum
- such large institutions would do well to distill basic forms and styles
across country borders and time periods.

 

If you let me know more about your collecting policy, I might be able to
direct you to more specific texts. Feel free to write off list.

 

Best,

Ware

 

L.W.S. Petznick, Ph.D.

McFaddin-Ward House 

Curator of Collections

725 Third St.

Beaumont, TX 77701

[log in to unmask]

www.mcfaddin-ward.org

409.832.1906 p

409.832.3483 f

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Carrie Snow
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2005 4:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Reading List

 

We are toying with idea of creating a reading list for members of our
Acquisitions Committee (currently comprised of curators (4) registrars (3)
and Museum Manager).  Out goal is to make sure that everyone has a basic
knowledge of art and history relevant and museum issues to our collection.
My questions are:

- Do any other museums have a reading list like this?

- If so, what's on it.  

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