Early Christian & Byzantine Art A & I

John Lowden provides an authoritative account of early Christian and Byzantine art from the third century AD to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. From the grandest public buildings to the smallest personal items, it was and is an art of extraordinary directness, but also of mystery and transcendence. Lowden explains how and why early Christian and Byzantine art was made and used, and situates it within the controversies of its time.The Art and Ideas series offers introductory books on all aspects of the history of art. Each book is written by an outstanding expert in the field, in an accessible and lively style. Completely up-to-date and comprehensive, these books are essential reading for students and rewarding for anyone curious about art. Books in the Art and Ideas series contain c.150-200 full colour and 50 black and white illustrations, more than any comparable series. They are enjoyable to read with fully integrated text and illustrations throughout, are authoritative and stimulatingly written by the leading experts in their fields. They include special features such as glossaries, biographies and comparative chronologies. The series is part of a comprehensive publishing programme to produce the definitive overview of world art at excellent value.`One could not praise too highly its lucidity and balance. If it were a novel, one would even speak of its un-put-downability.` (Sister Wendy Beckett) `Comprehensive and illuminating. Explicates an enormous amount of material with eloquence and enthusiasm.` (Booklist) `The best short study in English. John Lowden has a facility for presenting his subject without presuming too much or saying too little. Compact in style and beautiful to look at, this is a likeable as well as a learned book.` (Catholic Herald)