[.uk] Art of Vietnam (Temporis Collection) (ISBN 1859958605)

A Reminder of Beauty Past, A Notice of Beauty Present:
ART OF VIETNAM may not be the definitive survey of this country's rich artistic heritage one might find in the archives of Eastern or Asian Art in Museums or Universities, but it is one of the most keenly written brief overviews of the hundreds of years of important creations from all the varied areas within Vietnam. It also happens to make excellent references to the many 'occupations' of the country and the influences of those cultures (Western and Eastern) on the art that is Vietnamese. Art historian and author Catherine Noppe and specialist in Asian arts Jean-François Hubert have compiled an easily digestible summary of Vietnam's history, linking that history with the changes in credos and styles that blanket Vietnam's artistic past. From religious relics to examples of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, each work illustrated (in fine chronological order) is well chosen and presented in color-true fashion. Even works of art currently being made by contemporary artists are included - some superb, some merely interesting. For those whose curiosity about Vietnam only increases with time since our flattening of that country some years back, this is a solid introduction to the rich cultural heritage that is Vietnam's. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, August 05

Beautiful book:
This was just what I wanted and could not find in the stores. The recipient loved it.