The Honest Art Dictionary

Although this dictionary is simple and to the point that is exactly what I need when it comes to describing art. As an art lover who has no real knowledge or education on Art History this is the perfect accompaniment for me when studying art. I loved the humour and the non-stuffy tone of the book, it has a very down to earth feel about it and is very unique in this. It would be a book that I would dip in and out of many times for reference

I hadn't heard of "The Art History Babes" before, but I surely will check out their podcast after reading this book.
I would definitely consider myself as someone who is very interested in art, both making art and looking at other people's works. But I am also someone who doesn't know all that much about it.
With my level of knowledge about it, I can say that this book is very much perfect for everyone with only a vague to intermediate understanding of art. I would even go as far as saying that this could profit art students who need a concise, funny and easy to understand overview in their room. (I was roommates with an art student and I think she definitely would have liked this.)
"The Honest Art Dictionary" features a very good A-Z dictionary of important movements, materials, schools, industry terms etc alongside really nice illustrations, a timeline and further reading suggestions.
Because it is a dictionary you can skip around to only read what interests you or what you need help to understand. For example, I already know a bunch about New Objectivity so instead I can read up on Fauvism, which I knew nothing about.

I was an art student back and the day, and to say I've forgotten a few things, is being incredibly kind to myself. I have a memory hole that I cannot dig deep enough for memories resurface. Reading through The Honest Art Dictionary was a nice kick to what I used to know (and thanks to the book hazily remember). It's definitely more up-to-date than when I was in school (so cool to see Data Visualization included). The illustrations are fun, the book is well designed/laid out and most importantly (for me), the information is not overwhelming and hopefully easy to remember - I'll just flip through each time I go to visit a museum. #TheHonestArtDictionary #NetGalley

A minor aside from the off - I loved the timeline and the absolutely not subtle editorializing therein.

I have a much treasured and never used undergrad minor in art, so I'm not a complete noob to the subject, but this still had such an impressive number of entries that were new to me, so I'm absolutely impressed with the scope of the project. This is definitely a text I'd love to have on the shelf for easy reference.
If their next dictionary project was to artists rather than art terms I would also 100% waitlist for that one - as I'm a fan of the podcast and I really enjoy their analyses.

The only criticism I'd offer here, is that (though the authors do a solid job of explaining their examples) art is a visual medium - and when you can't see the concept in action/example, it is harder to really take it in. But, I imagine the costs to include reference photos would have been prohibitive and and yeah, the book sparks curiosity (as they mentioned was a goal), so perhaps there is your silver lining to a slight issue.

My thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the arc to review.

A vary basic overview of some of the art movements. Not a lot of detail, a distinct avoidance of mentioning all but the most well known artists.

This is a great, fun, light-hearted take on a topic many people don’t dare delve into. As an artist & former art student myself, I found the book insightful & enjoyable! It is definitely geared towards people without much background in art history & isn’t intimidating to read. The language used is casual yet informative!
The biggest thing missing for me would be actual images of some of the styles being mentioned. There are some cool illustrations, but especially if this is geared toward art novices, it would be greatly helpful to have some examples of what the art, terms, or supplies really look like. Heck, even for someone who has studied art history, it would still be helpful to see those types of images in the book!

The Honest Art History Dictionary is as approachable as it is fun. As an Art History novice, I appreciated that this book avoided highly academic language and made an attempt to really engage the reader directly. This text touches on many, if not all, of the major movements throughout Art History, while also providing helpful context and examples within the definitions. There is also a helpful timeline at the front of the book which provides further context for readers. This book makes no effort to dive into any subject deeply, and only really provides the basics, although it does give enough information for a motivated reader to continue learning about certain topics on their own time and research. While I'm not sure how helpful this is for someone with existing training in Art History, as someone simply interested in learning more, I found this book thoroughly enjoyable!

The title describes itself perfectly. This book is essentially a dictionary of art terms but its so much more than than as well. Through your idea of a dictionary out of your head because this is not that. Don't anticipate a boring dictionary filled with art jargon at every corner where you're already asleep by page 2.

I did not know anything about this when I receive it and I'm glad, it only made me love it more. It is authored by the folks at the Art History Babes Podcast. Don't know who they are? Don't worry you don't need to. But will you want to know more about then? Absolutely.

I would describe this as a dictionary with some personality, maybe some sass. I would say I'm pretty familiar with a lot of art term but even I learned quite a but from this. I would recommend it to everyone, despite thier knowledge level. I would HIGHLY recommend it with someone who is curious about art. I think this book make it approachable but most important makes it fun. Each definition is simplified to its core elements and then expanded upon by providing some fantastic examples and even some pop cultural reference. It essentially bridges the gap for the average consumer and actually make relatable.

Something I did not expect while reading this was how much this would make me laugh. The authors personality is laced into every word and gosh aren't they hilarious. I will definitely be checking out their podcast after this.

This book was also so pleasant to the eye. The timeline in the beginning is presented in such a aesthetic way. It is also filled with some very illustrations to help conceptualize some of the art words.

I would also like to personally thank the authors for finally getting me to understand what camp mean.

I highly, highly recommend this book!

As the nonfiction selector for my library, I lay eyes on such a wide variety of books that sometimes it makes my head spin. Many of them aren't to my personal taste, and even if they are, obviously I'm not making purchasing decisions based on my own opinions. But sometimes I come across a text that I actually enjoy and that I think would be a good addition to our library's collection. The Honest Art Dictionary is both hip and useful, a rare combination. I think it will get good use for those who want to tiptoe into the world of art and art history.

This book is everything that I need as a supplement for my art history class! The definitions are easy to understand! It holds your attention as well!

So. Much. Fun. I fell in love with art history five years ago in your basic Introduction to Art History course at university. Little did I know, that when my professor spoke of Newgrange and then Neoimpressionism I would find a sector of history to love so passionately. It became my minor and I spent hours researching and reading about art for my own enjoyment. Reading this book brings me back to those moments early on in my degree when I was just an over-eager undergrad wanting to take in everything presented to me. I'll admit first off that I don't really listen to the Art History Babes podcast (or podcasts in general), but their enthusiasm and passion for art history is something I can relate to immensely, as well as the intense desire to share it with as many people as possible (often much to their chagrin), and prove just how cool art and its history can be.

While this is a dictionary, by no means is it the boring type often avoided, with dry entries and definitions upon definitions upon definitions (sorry Oxford English, I love you anyway). Of course it still functions as a dictionary, but it is much more fun. Reading about art by the Art History Babes is like being read to by your cool best friend, or a sophisticated yet edgy older sister who tells you all the hot goss happening in the high school hallways. She holds nothing back and you're left feeling giddy like you have a secret. I think chiaroscuro and fresco are fascinating already, but they make it fascinating for everybody. It's not just Old Masters and Pointillism that get defined, either - things like zine, yarn bomb, and meme all have entries as well. I especially like the illustrations in which they combine various entries into stylistic images that are fun and modern, but still
get the point across. Mix things like diptychs and Romanesque with only the coolest pop culture references, and you'll get a dictionary way more rad than Johann Joachim Winckelmann could ever dream of. They aren't afraid to call out art and art history's racist, sexist, classist colonial past, and we love. them. for. it. This is cool. Art is cool. I am OBSESSED with this book and want it for my coffee table immediately.

The Art History Babes provide feisty, fierce, and fun definitions of art history terms, ranging from Abstract Expression to Zine. They make quick work of cumbersome concepts and heavy ideas in this newly essential What You Need to Know Guide to Art History. This book would be a lifesaver for someone struggling with a required humanities class and will be a delight to people already swimming in Art History waters. In a conversational and enthusiastic tone, the AHB's will have you clued in to art movements, trends, and notable artworks. They fearlessly taken on current aspects of the art world, such as the Art Bro and Museum Fatigue. Best of all, they will remind you of why art is worth studying and will possibly have you proclaiming your love for stepped-platform architecture too.

Yes, the art world is elitist and alienating. For years as a writer and editor in media, I have received press releases that seem written with the express purpose of being dense. As if making art accessible threatens the gallerists and artists and museums, as if appealing to more people dilutes the purpose, as if being esoteric is the only way to maintain the sanctity of true "art". Well, that's nonsense. And this book is fantastic. It's so good that I want to buy a copy because an ebook isn't enough. It breaks down jargon, tells strange anecdotes from art history, and simplifies terms with humor and modern-day metaphors. All of it beautifully illustrated.
If you have even a passing curiosity about art of any kind, I'd recommend this book.

Thank you Netgalley and The Quarto Group for the review copy.

As a casual enjoyer of art, this book seems to be perfect for me. I did do an art appreciation class way back in college but my knowledge of it doesn't go far beyond that. The Honest Art Dictionary is filled with entries that bring the subject to life with both knowledge and wit. While it's a basic book, its breadth is wide enough to include many of the topics relevant in art today. I found this to be a delight to read and it would be great if books on other subjects took a similar approach.

Overall I give this 4 solid stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing for sharing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group White Lion for a temporary digital review edition via NetGalley of ‘The Honest Art Dictionary: a Jovial Trip Through Art Jargon’ by The Art History Babes.

This was the first time I have heard of The Art History Babes collective and from the Introduction I was drawn in by their playful personalities. I loved their approach to the subject and intend to seek out their podcast.

I studied art history at university so was familiar with many of the words here in formal terms and enjoyed the quips and anecdotes provided by the AHBs. Still there were others that were new to me.

It is illustrated with a number of composite images by Carmen Casado that showcase various terms found in the dictionary. These are included in the pictures’ captions along with their page numbers.

This proved an accessible, informative, and enjoyable reference work and I hope to add its hardback edition to my personal art history library in the near future.

I feel that ‘The Honest Art Dictionary’ will appeal to students of art history and for those interested in the subject. It is also a reference work suitable for inclusion in school and public libraries.