A Comprehensive Reference to the History of Art A comprehensive and authoritative five-volume set, the illustrated Facts On File Encyclopedia of Art presents the entire history of world art, from Paleolithic art to modern art, from Africa and Asia to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Embracing a global perspective of art and expertly explaining the development of art across time and cultures, this richly illustrated reference is organized chronologically into insightful chapters, each dealing with the art of a specific period, geographic region, or civilization. These subjects are broadly defined in a way that most students of art history will recognize and find useful. A Fascinating Visual History Combined with Expert Scholarship Covering all of the recognized major arts, including architecture, painting, drawing, and sculpture, as well as other art forms such as ceramics and metalwork, Facts On File Encyclopedia of Art shows readers the diversity of expression in the visual arts. Fundamental characteristics of the major styles and periods of art history are clearly expressed, and their significance is analyzed. Chapters detail significant aspects of the subjects in digestible sections, covering the arts of a specific people or dynasty, art made of particular substances, or art used for special purposes. Bringing together the vast accumulated knowledge of many scholars, the encyclopedia provides the information necessary for readers to comprehend the significance of various forms of art and to appreciate the wide-ranging artistic achievements of numerous cultures throughout history. The sections on Modern American Art, European Art Since World War II, and various others detailing non-Western art are especially current, covering topics such as feminist art and women artists; graffiti art; video art, sound art, and installation art; and pluralism in art at the beginning of the 21st century. Interesting, Informative Special Features In addition to the clearly written text and beautiful full-color reproductions of artworks, Facts On File Encyclopedia of Art contains many special features intended to highlight major topics, spur readers to further research, and ensure easy access to information. Maps show readers the locations where civilizations and peoples created their works of art, text boxes offer detailed explanations of selected topics, and a bibliography follows each section. Coverage includes: Volume 1: Paleolithic Art to Etruscan Art Volume 2: Roman Art to Early Christian Art Volume 3: Byzantine Art to Ottonian Art Volume 4: Romanesque Art to Romanticism Volume 5: Realism to South African Art. Special features highlight such topics as: The Barcelona Pavilion Buddhist Kamakura Sculpture Calligraphy in Islamic Art Carolingian Bookcovers Engraved Gems and Classical Coins The Houses of Frank Lloyd Wright Maya and Central Mexican Codices Northwest Coast Sculpture The Oseberg Ship Burial Renaissance Armor Salome in Symbolist Art Sassanian Silverware Sculpture and Glass at Chartres The Stela of Mentuhotep Sung Ceramics and more.