The arts of China

Since it was first published in 1967 as A Short History of Chinese Art, this classic has held the foremost place among Chinese art histories in English. This is primarily because all the editions, including this new one, reflect a superb choice of illustrative examples--each a hallmark of its kind. Sullivan has continued to organize his work dynastically, and argues in a new preface that the Chinese people see their art in this way, making it imperative that westerners understand the sweep of Chinese historical artistic expression chronologically as well. The new edition extends itself at both ends of the scale. With a newly understood history of the Bronze Age, based on archaeological discoveries, Sullivan recasts that section. Additionally he takes a closer look at contemporary artists. Each chapter brings new illustrations; and a much expanded examination of calligraphy, Buddhist art, and Chan art rounds out this new edition. Praise of this work, in its new and older forms, in itself represents a history of the greatest Chinese art historians; one should take their suggestions and visit or revisit this model of scholarship. Summing Up: Essential. Lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers; general readers. L. L. Lam-Easton California State University, Northridge