If you want to read one of THE dullest, stuffiest, not to mention stylistically ghastly books in all of art history, please read this one. These writers confuse ambiguity and meanlingless hodgepodge for intelligence.

More regurgitated destructive orthodoxy from the arid soul of an academic hack, it's all here every careerist leftist's cliche there is. The arrogance of the previous reviewer could only come from a button down Yalie politically correct snob.

This is the textbook used in Yale's introductory course to 19th century French art, and is considered to be the industry standard for surveying the period.

I was looking for a decent picture book on David who must surely rank as one of the most influential painters on his time. Unfortunately, most of the great looking picture books are in French. This book appeared to fill the niche. However, the quality of the pictures are very disappointing, many of them tending to have a yellowish cast.

The author organized a large amount of detail in an uncomplicated way. There are also many color plates that are reproduced well (oath of horatii is an exception). The only drawback that has affected my entire opinion of this book is the text. There are many instances where it is clear that the author has "borrowed" from Anita Brookner.

I was expecting a detailed account of wines each of the domaines had to offer. Rather, it is a tour guide for potential visitors to the area. While I recognize - and fully agree with - the way the each of them are rated, but is it current?

Although very detailed, this book is geared more toward those taking frequent or extended trips on the canals of France. It's also aimed at boat owners (primarily those coming from Great Britain)as opposed to vacation boat renters. The detail is more on the navigation end of things. I guess I was looking for something geared more for the casual tourist who rents a boat for a week or so and needs details on towns, shops and services along the canals.