Wow! eBook
Encyclopedia of American Folk Art
Author(s): Gerard C. Wertkin
- Publisher: Routledge
- Publication Date: 17 Dec. 2003
- Edition: 1st
- Language: English
- Print length: 611 pages
- ISBN-10: 0415929865
- ISBN-13: 9780415929868
Book Description
For a full list of entries, contributors, and more, visit the Encyclopedia of American Folk Art web site.
This is the first comprehensive, scholarly study of a most fascinating aspect of American history and culture. Generously illustrated with both black and white and full-color photos, this A-Z encyclopedia covers every aspect of American folk art, encompassing not only painting, but also sculpture, basketry, ceramics, quilts, furniture, toys, beadwork, and more, including both famous and lesser-known genres.
Containing more than 600 articles, this unique reference considers individual artists, schools, artistic, ethnic, and religious traditions, and heroes who have inspired folk art. An incomparable resource for general readers, students, and specialists, it will become essential for anyone researching American art, culture, and social history.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“A welcome addition to an area of art that is becomingincreasingly important to American artistic culture. Highly recommended. Academic and public libraries andindividuals interested in American folk art.” — Choice
“This unique and highly useful reference tool is essentialfor all art libraries. It is not only crammed with information but also easy to use, fun to browse through,and totally up to the minute… Full color inserts and100 black-and-white photos enhance an already admirable work. Highly recommended.” — Library Journal (starred review)
“The best guide available on American folk art.” — Library Journal (starred review)
“Useful to collectors, students, scholars, and experts. It is an excellent value for the cost and a recommendedpurchase for academic and large public libraries.” — Booklist/RBB
“The index to this volume, one of its strongest points, is indespensible… Recommended for academic and publiclibraries.” — Reference & User Services Quarterly
“grounded in expertise and serious scholarship… Helpful introduction sets the tone blending historicalperspective with interesting commentary… The articles are uniformly well researched and written in a clear andinformative style… A must purchase for any library, academic or public, with an interest in collecting in this area.” — Against the Grain
“A representative but detailed sample of American folk art spanning three centuries… Four generous sections of excellent color plates represent a varied selection of folk arts.” — Art Book News Annual
“Some notable entries, perhaps because they are exceptional in the scope, that treat often underappreciated material in the folk art canon appear… This reference will be especially useful for documenting artists’ biographies, genres, and institutional profiles… It is well indexed to help users.” — American Reference Books Annual
About the Author
Dr. Gerard C. Wertkin is Director of the American Folk Art Museum in New York. He is the Co-author of Light of theSpirit: Portraits of Southern Outsider Artists and TheJewish Heritage in American Folk Art.
