AFRICA; THE ART OF A CONTINENT.

Phillips, Tom (editor). Cornel West, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Henry Louis Gates, Peter Garlake, Edna Russmann, Laslo Torok, John Mack, Patricia Davison, Daniel Biebuyck, Frank Herreman, John Picton, Rene Bravmann, Timothy Insoll, Rachel MacLean, R.J.A. Wilson, Nadia Erzini, Rachel Ward (contributors).

ISBN 10: 3791320041 / ISBN 13: 9783791320045

Published by Munich, London, and New York: Prestel Verlag, 1999., 1999

About this Item

Ex-library copy. 619 pages. Large paperback: H 30cm x L 24.5cm. Black stiff paper covers rubbed with slight curling and wear at fore-edge corners, light impression from removed library sticker near top of front cover, slight residue from removed shelf sticker near spine heel, mild scuffing and wear at spine heel with glue repair to short tear at head, some vertical creasing to spine. Some soiling to edges; library stamp and two stickers on half-title page; stamp on title page. No other library marks readily apparent upon a quick perusal and interior pages are otherwise clean. Binding is still firm. Originally published as the catalog for an exhibition "Africa: The Art of a Continent" held at the Royal Academy of Arts in London from October 4 1995 to January 21, 1996. With Preface by Cornel West, Introduction by editor Tom Phillips, Appendix (with Bibliography, Index of Ethnic Groups, Lenders to the Exhibition, and Photographic Credits), and three introductory essays: "Why Africa, Why Art?" by Kwame Anthony Appiah, "Europe, African Art and the Uncanny" by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., and "The African Past" by Peter Garlake. Features seven chapters titled as: "Ancient Egypt and Nubia" by Edna R. Russmann and Laslo Torok; "Eastern Africa" by John Mack; "Southern Africa" by Patricia Davison; "Central Africa" by Daniel Biebuyck and Frank Herreman; "West Africa and the Guinea coast" by John Picton; "Sahel and Savanna" by Rene A. Bravmann; "Northern Africa" by Timothy A. Insoll, M. Rachel MacLean, R.J.A. Wilson, Nadia Erzini, and Rachel Ward. Please note that this thick book has an approximate shipping weight of 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg) and will require additional postage for any postal class other than domestic Media Mail (parcel airmail to most European countries will be US$58). ISBN 3791320041.

Seller Inventory # Z626X-2700

Bibliographic Details

• Title: AFRICA; THE ART OF A CONTINENT.
• Publisher: Munich, London, and New York: Prestel Verlag, 1999.
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 3791320041
• ISBN 13: 9783791320045
• Binding: Soft cover
• Seller catalogs:
  • Art

About this title

Synopsis

This magnificent celebration of the world’s oldest and most diverse artistic traditions is considered the definitive book on African art.

Ranging from the oldest known human artifact, circa 1.6 million BC, to pieces made within living memory, the objects collected in this extraordinary volume reflect a continent of enormous cultural and historical scope. Arranged chronologically within seven geographical sections, it offers an astonishing array of sculptures in wood, bronze, stone, and gold, as well as mural paintings, ceremonial pieces, ceramics, jewelry, and textiles culled from private and public collections around the world. Commentary by renowned scholars illuminates the cultural and historical significance of these pieces, and in-depth authoritative texts highlight critical aspects of each region. Together these words and images take readers on an artistic grand tour through a continent of unparalleled diversity, and towards the thrilling discovery of not one Africa, but many.

From the Publisher

The contents are arranged geographically in a 'grand tour' that divides the continent into seven areas. Beginning with Ancient Egypt and Nubia, the tour proceeds through Ethiopia and the Sudan to the eastern coast and southern Africa, then moves up through central Africa to the coastal areas of west Africa and the countries of the sub-Saharan region. The survey ends in northern Africa, coming full circle with a discussion of Egypt in its Christian and Islamic periods.

Within each of these seven sections objects are arranged in broadly chronological order. They demonstrate the wide range of styles in African art, inspired by different religions and cultures, and the equally astonishing variety of materials, from dung to gold and including bronze, ivory and terracotta, as well as superb wood-carvings from all over the continent. Works of art from major public and private collections in Europe and the USA are juxtaposed with the finest from Africa itself.