Art of the Western World, from Ancient Greece to Post-Modernist art, is covered admirably in this companion volume to the PBS series of the same name. Perhaps one of the reasons I find this book so interesting is that I have met the authors, as Bruce Cole and Adelheid Gealt are both part of the Art programmes here at Indiana University, and the book is dedicated to Herman Wells, recently deceased, but powerful administrator who built in his 50 years of work with the university an Ivy-League-like atmosphere and, for many departments and schools, reputation.

The text is beautifully illustrated, with full-colour plates and glossy photographs of paintings, sculpture, stained glass, furniture, jewelry and architecture on every page. This is also a comprehensive volume of Western art - chapters include the art of Greece, Rome, Christian Art (including a special chapter devoted to cathedrals), Renaissance art (with special chapters on Italian and Dutch art), eighteenth and nineteenth century art, and then several chapters on modern artistic movements from Impressionism forward.

This book is clear in writing and procedure - it avoids technical jargon whenever possible, and is good at explaining the necessary elements to increase appreciation of the art being shown. Often, a true appreciation of art requires a knowledge of the history and culture of the artists, and this volume provides some of the background to fill in the historical gaps.

'Our art is part of us; in it flows the spiritual and intellectual lifeblood which still nourishes and sustains our ancient civilisation. It is also a living, redemptive force in an age that has witnessed the madness and destruction which is also, unfortunately, our Western heritage. Art can embody and transcend both its creators and its times to reveal enduring truths about the human condition; the more we understand art, the more we understand ourselves and the complexities of our world.'

The volume features an introductory essay by Michael Wood, who served as the on-screen narrator of the PBS television series. Wood, a journalist, historian and filmmaker, is also author of the best-selling In Search of the Trojan War. In this essay, Wood argues that the tradition of Western art is not simply a tradition, but a series of complementary traditions that cross-pollinate with cultural, religious, and aesthetic differences. The flows toward and away from realism over time can often be explained in cultural-influence terms as well as aesthetic terms. He also asks the question, 'Whither the future for Western art?'

'There are more working artists and more consumers of art than ever before. As a business, art is booming. But it is plain now, with the spread of an electronic global culture, that we face the prospect of the erosion of all differences, the prospect of great conformity and simplification.... Now, with modernism, the West has become a state of mind, rather than a geographical region, and is perceived as such by other cultures-Islam, Africa, India, and the rest-who have felt its often destructive impact.'

This is a fair warning, but this book by no means belittles the achievements and influence of Western art - it celebrates it gloriously, and looks forward to continuing developments and achievements, as the future may hold yet more creation and originality - while the West influences the rest of the world, the rest of the world is influencing the West, which throughout history has shown itself particularly susceptible to original influences from out.

This book provided ALL the information I needed to cut a high score on the Art of the Western World Dantes Exam. *Tip: Study the periods and the artists' influences, don't worry about identifying paintings* Excellent structure and well researched historical data made this book a pleasure to read. Recommended for novice art buffs looking to expound their knowledge of Art progression through the centuries and periods.

Although I must admit at times this book does get dry, it does cover the needed material to pass the Dantes test for this subject. All pictures that are reference in the test are located in this book and it covers the material well. Be prepared to sudy hard with this one, as it does take some time to digest the material. It is easy to read and enables anyone to pass a test that normally only has a 38% pass rate. I got an "A", my wife got a high "B".

Doing a unit on Ancient Egypt this Summer, and was THRILLED to see this book at the library. I wish they had made a video too! My kids love it. Ms. Frizzle is her usual self sans the class. She's taking a vacation in Egypt during Summer break but just can't let go of being a teacher. She jumps out of the plane on the way there and the other passengers become her students. They go back in time thanks to Ms. Frizz's Time Travel Watch. Great illustrations, captions. Very historically faithful and fun.

This new adventure with the loving teacher Ms. Frizzle will enchant kids of all ages. Splendidly illustrated with accurate details, this book is a delight to read: funny, informative, colorful, clear and comprehensive. An excellent, highly recommended book for children ages 8 to 12.

My children absolutely love the Magic School Bus Adventures. Now, combining Ms. Frizzle with one of their favorite times in history is a magical success! My children learned about Ancient Egypt in the exciting, fun and descriptive way only Ms. Frizzle could portray. I'm so glad Ms. Frizzle "took chances and got messy" with social studies! Hooray!

I am a high school biology teacher. Since reading this book I have purchased 5 of the Magic School Bus Chapter Books. This book provides excellent scientific information and students of all ages enjoy. I had my 6 year old nephew read it, I read it, and one of my freshmen biology students read it. We all came to the same conclusion; we want to take a trip the aquarium and see the sharks firsthand for ourselves. I highly reccommend anyone with a child or a love for science to read this book.

My 5 year daughter and I recently finished reading this book. This series is a wonderful way for kids to learn about science. After reading this book, she asked to go to a local aquarium to see some sharks for herself. We can't wait to read the other books in the series.

This well written and easy to read book details minimum impact techniques for a wide variety of environments. Any outdoor person (front country or backcountry, veteran or neophyte) can do a better job when enjoying wildlands- this book will show you not only "how," but more importantly, "why."

Wanna learn where to hike? or how to dig a cat hole? or the best place to camp without establishing a new site? Just what the heck should I do with those slimy food orts at the bottom of my cookpot near the top of some peak? Take a read of Soft Paths and you'll find out.

This book describes minimal-impact camping techniques and supports the Leave No Trace program. Every hiker and backpacker must have this book. We camp in order to appreciate mother nature, and when following the guidelines set forth in Soft Paths you can be confident that you are not hurting the environment that you appreciate so much.

Pass a copy of Babette Cole's Ponies at your next party. The horsepeople in the crowd will squeal! Anyone who loves pop-up books will laugh out loud. Only the best behaved of children deserve this book. And, perhaps, the most devilish of adults!

As usual, El Autobus Magico does it again. This series are justgreat. Kids really love them and find them funny, creative andoriginal. This title in particular explains about the life of honeybees, the honey making process and everything related to honeybees. As it was expected, this books qualifies as a great book for teaching. is simple yet full of data. Want to teach nature? get this book!

This is the second book we have from this series, and my 4-year-old son and me enjoy and learn together in a fascinating way. This type of book encourages my kid's love for books and knowledge.
Ideal for those little curios kids!

It uses the common language to explain what is a germ. I think it is a great introductory book for young reader on the subject of microbiology. It does have all the latin names and need some help with adults (or dictionary) for proper pronounciation. The only little disappointment I feel about this one is the note for proper pronounciation of those scientific names of microbes and taxonomy (only a few).

Would you really board a bus that could turn into a spaceship? Well, the kids in Ms. Frizzle's class did it once again. The Magic School Bus Gets Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole. This time they were off on another fantastic adventure in space. It gets very crazy in his book when Ms. Frizzle gets lost in space and the class has to go on without her. The children also have to learn now to deal with Arnold's cousin Janet. She is a "know it all" who shares everything with every one. This book is great for a couple of reasons. First, the pictures really let you visualize space. Second, the pages are set up so that you can learn something on every page. This book is a really good introduction to a space unit. It really encourages you to learn more about space. I think the author must include her own love of adventure and learning in every magic school bus book. She has so many great lessons that are packed with information. I hope you look forward to finding out if the children can save Ms. Frizzle and if there will be any more great adventures!

The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System is one is a series of science adventure books by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen (Illustrator), all of which are trulky excellent. The chart the adventures of Ms. Frizzle and her class as they go on some really interesting field trips.

The books operate on several levels. They work as adventure stories as the manner in which they get diverted from an ordinary school field trip to the adventure at hand is always entertaining. The illustrations are truly wonderful and add to the story line very effectively. The books do in fact contain a lot of basic information about the topic at hand, so your kids are actually learning something as they read. And, as a final bonus, the books always involve some sore of class socialization issue, so your kids are exposed to some real life classroom issue, (here it's a Miss know-it-all type) and strategies for dealing with them as well. On top of all that, the books are just plain fun.

A great series for late pre-schoolers and early elementary age kids. So, what are you waing for? Jump on the Magic School Bus and have some fun!!!

The book I reviewed is The Magic School Bus in Outer Space by Joanna Cole. This book is about planets. When read this book I learned about the planets. I thought this book is a good book. They fly around the planets. Ms. Frizzle leaves the bus then she meets the kids later. She goes back to the magic school bus and they all go see the other planets. Then they go back to school.

My son likes this book. It gives some good insights into germs and our bodies. he likes the entires Magic School Bus series - but this is one of his favorites. An easy read before bedtime - just the right length.

My daughter is 3 1/2 years old. I got this book and wasn't sure if it would be to complicated for her. She loves it! I have ordered a few more Magic School Bus books and she can't get enough of them. She even drew a picture of her Daddy's red blood cells! It was hilarious. But best of all, she enjoys them so much. They are her favorite books and she is learning about science. I wish I had these when I was a kid.

Very fun to read and educational. My daughter is 7 years old and she must have read it ten times. She only usually reads a book once!