DK Definitive Cultural Histories – serie

The ultimate introduction to global art, presenting 30,000 years of creativity in one lavishly illustrated book.Discover all you need to know about art history in this definite guide. Art: The Definitive Visual Guide brings a gallery of more than 2,500 of the world's finest paintings and sculptures into your home. Spanning 30,000 years, from cave paintings to contemporary art, this stunning chronological exploration of every major artistic movement introduces the major milestones of each period, from the tomb paintings of Ancient Egypt, Qing Dynasty Chinese art, through to 20th century Cubism and African art today. Dedicated spreads explain how art works, for example introducing how artists use colour and composition. A visual timeline of key works gives an overview of the scope of each major movement, and each era and art movement is introduced with key information, placing art in the context of its time. Explore the pages of this awe-inspiring art history book to discover: - Over 2500 of the world's most influential paintings and sculptures.- Stunning artwork from more than 700 artists.- 'Closer Look' sections offer detailed analysis of key paintings.- Picture-packed gallery spreads explore how different artists have approached a range of themes.- Stunning DPS images presenting important works of art.- Genre/theme spreads broaden the coverage of art across the world.The 6 core chapters are structured chronologically, starting with prehistoric art and ancient civilizations, right the way up until modern day artwork, so there's something for everyone to explore, learn and love. From Romanticism in the 19th Century, to Realisim in the 20th Century, whether it's Pop Art or Expressionism, Minimalism and so much more - the beautiful full-color illustrations and striking imagery, make this art book the perfect gift for the art and history lover in your life, as well as an ideal coffee table book. Doubling up as a riveting reference book for anyone with an interest in art history who wants to gain a broader knowledge of the subject, as well as the perfect classroom companion in schools, libraries and more, Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is a must-have for your bookshelf. Created in collaboration with Bridgeman, the biggest art library in the world, Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is a must-have for your bookshelf.

Learn about the evolution of costume and dress in this lavishly illustrated guide. From the extravagance of Ancient Egypt, through the legendary houses of Chanel and Dior, to today's catwalk sensations, this gorgeous, carefully curated collection shows how fashion reflects people and places, and captures the times in which they lived. Packed with a dazzling combination of original fashion plates, archive images, and commissioned photography, Fashiontakes you on a fabulous tour across the centuries as it catalogues the history of what people wear, revealing how Western fashion has been influenced by design from around the world, and celebrating everything from costume to haute couture. Expert commentary captures the turning points of fashion history, such as when hemlines rose to reveal a glimpse of stocking, youngsters pulled on jeans and "invented" teenagers, the red carpet became a runway, and celebrities became designers. Fashion icons take centre-stage too, with features on famous trend-setters and designers, such as Elizabeth I, Marie Antoinette, and Alexander McQueen, who defined the style for each generation. Fashion is an indispensible work of reference whether you're a fashion-mad teen, a wannabe designer, or someone intrigued by the violent origins of the stiletto or the birth of bling. If it's ever been in fashion, it's in this ebook.

This lavish coffee-table book traces the history of photography from the first black and white images to celebrated examples of 21st-century digital photography.Photography celebrates the most iconic photographs of the past 200 years and includes more than 50 biographies of the most famous photographers, explaining how they pushed the bounds of the medium. It also showcases examples of the extraordinary cameras that photographers experimented with, from the daguerreotype to the latest camera phones!Charting the influence of social and cultural change, as well as the impact of science and technology, this beautiful book follows the history of photographs from the first grainy attempts at portrait and landscape photography to gritty photojournalism, street photography, and digital photography, with special features delving into the stories behind photographic images that changed how people saw the world.This fantastic photography book promises:- A selection of the most important "lost" cultural artefacts from ancient times to the present day- Features images of the artworks where available, or specially commissioned illustrations of them based on written accounts- Includes details of the ongoing debate about whether looted art should be returned to its country of originPacked with information and full of inspiration, Photography is the perfect reference for budding photographers, seasoned professionals, and anyone with an interest in the subject. Whether you're looking for a riveting reference book to display on your coffee table or gift to a friend, or you're a life-longer learner with a thirst for knowledge - Photography is sure to delight!

From ancient dwellings to modern high-tech skyscrapers, discover everything there is to know about the history of architecture worldwide.Covering over 6,000 years of human history, Architecture charts the most important developments in building materials, technology, design, and the social changes that have shaped the architectural landscape.Explore every significant architectural period and style in depth through critical examples.Take a tour of some of the world's most iconic buildings, beautifully illustrated with brilliant photography and specially commissioned CGI artworks.Dive deep into the pages of this book about architecture to discover:- An innovative approach to the story of architecture using iconic examples.- Explores buildings throughout history and across the world.- A combination of creative photography and specially commissioned CGI artworks to analyse every significant architectural style.- Profiles of the latest developments in architectural practice, including "green" technology, such as living façades.- Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution in the US- Optional 56-page reference section profiles key architects and contains profiles of additional important buildingsFind out why so many ancient Roman structures have withstood the test of time. Learn how the soaring ceilings of Gothic cathedrals are held up. And discover the architectural innovations that are helping to combat climate change.Architecture is the perfect book for anyone fascinated by the built world - its visual character and the factors that have formed it - and who wants to understand more.

Discover the history of design with this gorgeous visual celebration of key pieces, movements, and designers, from the Arts and Craft movement to the digital age. Discover all you need to know about art and design in this definite guide. Design: The Definitive Visual Guide brings a gallery of more than 1200 images, covering every major design movement - from 1850 to the present day.Arranged chronologically, this art deco book traces the evolution of design from its roots to the present day, from early chairs, pottery, and homewares to cars, graphic design, and product design. It introduces all the key designers, manufacturers, and objects, illustrating how and why different styles emerged and became popular. It also provides a fascinating insight into design movements, showing how each one began and explaining its philosophy and visual style, from the Arts and Crafts movement to mid-century modern and contemporary.Explore the pages of this awe-inspiring contemporary design book to discover: - Chronological catalogs showcase the milestone designs of each movement or period.- Feature spreads showcase iconic examples of interior design and architecture from each period.- Profiles of iconic designers and manufacturers celebrate their key designs and lasting influence.- Timelines trace the evolution of everyday objects.- Optional 80-page directory section.Featuring expert analysis, stunning photography, and a huge range of objects both familiar and extraordinary, Design explains what makes a truly great design and reveals the hidden stories behind the everyday things all around us. With profiles of famous designers and manufacturers, such as William Morris, the Bauhaus, Alvar Aalto, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Vitra, and stunning images of iconic buildings and interiors, it provides a glorious and comprehensive view of classic design across the last two centuries.Proving the perfect addition to the library of anyone with an interest in design and the history of design, a well as an ideal gift book for students of art and design. At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So if you like Design: The Definitive Visual Guide, then why not try Art: The Definitive Visual Guide, and discover all you need to know about art history.

The ultimate introduction to art and culture presents 3,000 years of fashion in one gorgeous coffee table book. This is the definitive visual guide to everything ever worn. Fashion: The Definitive Visual Guide brings you a grand gallery of more than 3,000 years of fashion history.From simple to sophisticated, elegant to excessive, what we wear defines who we are. Discover all you need to know about the evolution of costume and dress from different eras in this all-encompassing guide to fashion.Explore the pages of this curated coffee table book, which offers: - Over 1,500 costumes from around the world.- 'Closer Look' sections provide a detailed analysis of fashion past and present.- Picture-packed galleries that explore how social media and fast fashion have impacted diversity and beauty ideals.The 6 core chapters are structured chronologically,so there's something for everyone to explore, learn and love. Starting with Medieval Romance and Trade 600-1449, right the way up until 1890 and onwards with The Designer Decades.Now fully revised and updated, this stylish book about fashion includes recent subjects of interest, including ethical fashion, diversity in fashion and shaping the body. The illustrated glossary of technical terms and an informative index help make this page-turning fashion book an indispensable work of reference for anyone with an interest in fashion who wants to gain a broader knowledge of the subject, making Fashion a must-have for your book-shelf.At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why stop there?The beautiful full-colour illustrations in DK's Definitive Visual Guide series allow you to experience the power of topics like art, design, photography and fashion and take a guided tour of the world's most influential designers and artists. Look out for more titles in The Definitive Visual Guide series from DK. The DK Definitive Visual Guide series is full of inspiration, making them the ideal coffee table books.