The History of Western Art in Comics Part One: From Prehistory to the Renaissance - by Marion Augustin (Paperback)

About the Book

"As two kids give their grandpa a tour of Paris, he starts an interesting conversation with them - about where all the art they see in their lives started"--

Book Synopsis

Learning about art through the ages has never been as interesting or fun as in this humorous and very informative graphic novel.

As two kids give their grandpa a tour of Paris, he starts an interesting conversation with them--about where all the art they see in their lives--from the movie house to the stadiums to museums and even the subway-- started. Dad's impromptu history lesson goes back to the first Cavemen drawings to the pyramids of Giza, and by the end of the book includes Greco-Roman feats of ingenuity and the frescoes of the Renaissance. Recounted as a narrative about why different civilizations created different kinds of art, centuries of art history are explored entertainingly for young readers. Iconic works, such as Donatello's David and The Book of Kells, are included as well as architectural feats like the Colosseum.

Written by a tour guide for museums and historic landmarks, the text is designed to entertain (with many funny asides and jokes) as it informs. The illustrations accurately portray the art and the artists described, with flavor and humor added to keep readers turning the page. Reproductions of the featured artworks and information about each piece are included in the back, along with a glossary of terms.

Review Quotes

"[A] mix of erudition and visual humor. . . ."--Wall Street Journal

"Art, architecture, history, and culture come together seamlessly in this comprehensive illustrated overview of Western art imported from France. Even adults and older readers who think they know it all will be pleasantly surprised to find that there is something new to learn in this whimsically illustrated but exceptionally thorough survey."--Kirkus Reviews
"A lively survey of Western art history."--Publishers Weekly

"Glances at milestones in architecture, book arts, and stained glass do expand the general focus on painting and sculpture; better yet, in both the running narrative and the declamatory remarks of the artists and onlookers, Augustin ­enriches the flow of name checks with notes on watershed stylistic shifts ("Zeus's thunder!" exclaims the admirer of a Greek vase. "It's the beginning of a revolution in Greek art! To show what the eye perceives!"), new media, and technical advances. Time lines reinforce the presentation's chronological structure; occasional footnotes and a glossary at the end will help out readers a bit hazy on the meanings of terms like basilica or contrapposto; and a closing section features small photos of major pieces with additional descriptive notes."--School Library Journal

"The narrative moves at a fast pace. . . ."--The Horn Book

About the Author

Marion Augustin is a tour guide for several museums and historic landmarks in France. She lives in the Parisian suburbs.

Bruno Heitz has written and illustrated many books for children in France. He lives in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.