On first hand I though that the book would be about the Greek philosophy, but that was a very misplaces thought. In fact the book is so much more wider of scale. It will take everything into the research and tries to explain the Greek thinking not only from of a philopsopcal side (although there is a bog part on that to) but more from of the general idea thoughts. It will tell you what Greek thought about a huge scale of things and topics.

So when you want to get into the mind of an Ancient Greek, and who doesn't !!! (remember that was The reason for Socrates to die, since he was looing forward to meet Hesiod & Homer) Then surely this is your book.

So be a good person and take Machiavelli's advise that a firm knowlegde of our (and then I speak of us Europeans) own Classical inheritage is absolutely crucial in life for true and read this book.

Greek thought is the cornerstone of the western culture. It is so to speak the 'point of genesis'. Every educated person needs today (irespective of his profession) to have a ground in psychology and sociology in order for him to be an adequate
citizen. Studying this book helps very much in this respect.What the Greeks thought about psyche and society are indespensable today. In fact in clear oposition to the alternative religious
views of these things (jewish, Christian, Mouslim) the Greek
way offers rational answers to the central questions what is psyche and what is society.

This book is a very good *introduction* to greek thought:
treats every contribution to science (all in special
chapters), schools of thought (very thoroughly) and the last part (perhaps the best) is a kind of dictionary which comments
extensively (10-30 pgs) on individual personalities; the chapter
on cynicism is very nice and practically every thought current is covered. I regret that there is no chapter on Demosthenes
(too strange for such a big book).

In opposition to other books this one covers **all** greek thought from -800 to +500 (already inside Byzantine Greek thought); however it covers **only** non-christian Greek thought.

The binding is *excellent*. One complaint though about the paper quality; but this sound as details to a fantastic picture;

buy it and learn; study it and be educated; think about its content and you will become better men!

There are also appendices listing principal mozarabic manuscripts and dated manuscripts, as well as an extensive bibliography about the subject.

Highly recommended for anyone engaged in reproduction of this style of art. Beautiful rendition of the colors of the original MSS.

The young reader will learn about Renoir's birth in Limoges, France; his family's move to Paris when he was young; his early drawings using his tailor father's chalk; his working years in a workshop painting decorations on china; his learning the formal method of painting in the studio of Charles Gleyre; and his participation in the creation of the "Impressionism".

Renoir was a rarity in that he was successful at painting in many styles. He was very versatile. Most painters lock themselves into a painting method and stick with it for awhile. All their paintings during that period of time use the same method. Renoir locked into what he painting and let it determine the method. If he were painting outdoors, he would choose impressionism with an emphasis on people having a good time more so than the outdoor setting. If he were doing a portrait, he would typically choose the older style but with less formality. His chose of method would be similar to a photographer choosing to use black and white film for certain shots and color film for others. Children are very sensitive to their surroundings. Their response can at time be instantaneous. They go with the moment and therefore will appreciate Renoir's similar approach.

My favorite painting in the book is Renoir's "Umbrellas". He let the figures chose the method. He chose impressionism for the more formally attired, and he utilized a more formal method for the less formally dressed woman on errands with her basket.

Venezia's illustrations are humorous. His narrative is delightfully entertaining. His approach brings the artist within reach of the young. His embellishment of the variety of surfaces on which the young Renoir chose to draw with chalk is creatively done.

The size of the book is perfect for smaller hands. It enables the young to have art within their grasp. Venezia gives the locations of the paintings and as result if the child lives near one of the museums or will be near one on vacation, she/he would be able to see the original.

This is the 20th in Venezia's "Getting to know the World's Greatest Artist" series. His series is a wonderful way for the young to be first introduced to the brilliance of artists. He also has a similar series on composers. Venezia's back cover illustration ties back to the subject. "While studying Renoir and the Impressionist movement of the 19th century, Mike was inspired to ...".

The price of the book is well worth paying. Venezia includes pieces by the artist, pieces by the artist's colleagues and art styles referenced. The book contains the following: Renoir's paintings (16); Venezia's illustrations (6); Others' paintings (8) and paintings on a vase (1).

So if you are a true fan of Pierre & Gilles work you definitely should have this beautiful book in your collection, or if their work is new to you this is one of the best introductions to their talented and very unique photography.

Pierre-Joseph Redoute was the Audubon of flowers--particularly roses and lilies. His artwork is stunning and he depicts the various varieties of roses in immaculate detail. An absolutely gorgeous book, published by Taschen and printed in Italy, my version is about 5"X 8" page size and the ISBN number is 3-8228-1356-7 (English version).

For the lover of roses, any illustrated book by Pierre-Joseph Redoute will be a treasure to admire for years.

Joseph Pierre