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Image and Audience

Rethinking Prehistoric Art

Richard Bradley author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:12th Mar '09

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Image and Audience cover

There have been many accounts of prehistoric 'art', but nearly all of them begin by assuming that the concept is a useful one. In this extensively illustrated study, Richard Bradley asks why ancient objects were created and when and how they were used. He considers how the first definitions of prehistoric artworks were made, and the ways in which they might be related to practices in the visual arts today. Extended case studies of two immensely popular and much-visited sites illustrate his argument: one considers the megalithic tombs of Western Europe, whilst the other investigates the decorated metalwork and rock carvings of Bronze Age Scandinavia.

A reviewer of one of Bradley's earliest books commented that he could only find one fault in it - that the author had the trick of making what he wrote seem so easy and natural. It is a talent that he has maintained, making any of his major works, including this, immediately take its place as a leading contribution to the field with which it engages. * Time and Mind *
Bradley's book is stimulating and his arguments clearly exposed. This journey through later prehistoric art which Bradley invites fellow travellers to join may produce different, reactions, but it is certainly a voyage worth undertaking. * Madeleine Hummler, Antiquity *
Yet another fine book from Bradley... An excellent informative read. * George Nash, British Archaeology *
An attractive book which many of us would want in our libraries * John Collis *
Richard Bradley ... begins his intriguing new book by challenging the readiness of prehistoric archaeologists * Alasdair Whittle *
Image and Audience certainly functions as an enjoyable and rewarding read for the student of art and its place in archaeology * Archaeological Review from Cambridge *
a thought-provoking volume, one of many from the Bradley stable, beautifully written and packed full of examples ... the book is supported by excellent referencing and imagery and will be a refreshing addition to the student and enthusiast's bookshelf. * Antiquaries Journal *

ISBN: 9780199533855

Dimensions: 240mm x 160mm x 18mm

Weight: 623g

280 pages