Product Description

Orignially built as a palace for the kings of France, the Louvre is Paris' -- if not the world's -- most breathtaking museum. A destination in itself, the Louvre has an extensive collection that offers something for every taste. See the ancient glories of Mesopotamia and the palace of Sargon II, king of Assyria; study the marble statues, and delicate ceramics of the Greco-Roman world; or walk through the galleries and study the paintings of Raphael, Leonardo, Van Dyck, El Greco, Gericault, Goya and other greats.

Let the Knopf Guide help you explore the Louvre's rich architectural history and unsurpassed collection (from Leonardo's Mona Lisa to a pyramid from the sands of Egypt) -- all explained in encyclopedic detail. Go behind-the-scenes to learn about the framing, restoration and documentation of the collection. Take in the surrounding sights, from the Tuileries Gardens to the Saint-Roche Cathedral, the Palais-Royal and the Bourse du Commerce. An informative and indispensable volume for art lovers of all tastes, this lavishly illustrated guide is a trusted companion for anybody visiting this unique part of Paris.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1345145 in Books
• Published on: 1995-08-08
• Released on: 1995-08-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 392 pages

From School Library Journal
YA?This small, portable volume presents a quick tour of the art and architecture of one of the world's most famous museums. Specialists contributed their expertise to the commentaries that accompany the richly colored plates that depict nature, history, art, people, architecture?anything associated with this former palace. One interesting section presents comments from visitors from around the world. Slick pages shine as they are turned to reveal more and more treasures. YAs can use this guide for research, vacation visits, art-history reviews, research papers, essays, and general information. Thirty pages are devoted to general tourist information on Paris. There is something grand about holding the art world in the palm of one's hand. A list of illustrations facilitates finding needed information. Napoleon was wrong when he said that bigger is better. And we all know what happened to him.?Arlene Hoebel, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

Poorly organized and incomplete
Only half the book is actually devoted to the collection. The rest of the book is about the history of the Louvre and what's around the Louvre. The maps were so tiny they were about impossible to see, and in some sections were just absent. For instance, the Italian painting section, I could never find a map for and spent a long time wandering about trying to find specific paintings (Titian). Unforunately, there does not seem to be much of an alternative. The limited catalog that they sell there is probably a better option, or the section that most guide books have is probably adequate. The collection is so huge and this book so limited, it was hardly worth even bringing along.

I second the 'Reader from Germany' - The Best!
As the Louvre is just so darn big, you need this book if for no other reason than to whittle down the museum to what interests you. New York City's Met. is big, but frankly, the whole Met. would be one half of one floor, of one wing, in the Louvre. Most Knopf guides are very detailed and thoughtfully written and this is no exception. Indispensible for your visit(s) to the Louvre.

A Valuable Tool!
I received this book as a gift when I left to study abroad in Paris a few years ago. I went to Paris to study art and I found this book to be an excellent guide to this fantastic museum. It is so interesting and informative. And when you are done visiting the Louvre, you have an excellent souvenir!