Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

Pop Art turns 30 this decade, and this authoritative survey testifies to its respectability and vigor. From Johns, Rauschenberg, Warhol, Lichtenstein, and other proponents of consumer art and commercial culture, the work chronicles 130 artists in 300 color plates, many previously unpublished. The danger here, of course, is in categorizing so many heterogeneous styles and subjects into one coherent movement. Nevertheless, the eye-popping illustrations of works based on comic strips, commercials, soup cans, and movie stars emphasize Pop's playfulness and many guises. The chapter on ``Neo-Pop in the 1980s'' brings the history of the movement right up to date. Recommended as the best single historical survey on Pop Art.-- Russell T. Clement, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, Ut. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

A readable, informative, and visually attractive book. Livingstone, who has been active as a scholar and as a curator of modern art in England, provides exceptional insight into both the American and the English versions of Pop art. The book is organized into sections emphasizing the historical background, the classic period of the movement, and the legacy of Pop art. Each section is further divided geographically so that a balanced view of the movement in its international variations is presented. The sections dealing with English artists are particularly informative insofar as these artists are less well known than their American counterparts. Livingstone provides a broad historical coverage of the Pop art movement as well as valuable insights into the individuals involved. Perhaps the most important aspect of this book is its representation of the works of art; illustrating the work of more than 130 artists with 300 plates in full color, many of them reproduced for the first time. This is a remarkable book in that it is both scholarly and visually appealing. Recommended for all libraries -K. Dills, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Booklist Review

An extensive history and assessment of pop art, from its brash emergence in the 1950s on up through the 1980s. Yes, the big boys are here: Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist, and Tom Wesselmann, to name a few, but so are less familiar artists, including many Europeans. Covering the work of over 120 artists working in a wide variety of materials, styles, and environments, Livingstone's selection revitalizes and broadens the definition of pop art. His commentary is learned and resourceful, discussing influences, attitudes, and techniques. An eye-opening volume of art at its feistiest. More than 300 color plates. Notes, bibliography, index. ~--Donna Seaman