In 'Civilisation,' Kenneth Clark embarks on a captivating journey through the evolution of Western art, architecture, and philosophy. He explores the delicate interplay between culture and societal values, revealing how they shape civilizations across time. Clark's vivid storytelling brings historical figures and their masterpieces to life, making history accessible and engaging. With stunning visuals and profound insights, the book challenges readers to contemplate the essence of what it means to be civilized. Are we truly at the pinnacle of civilization, or is there more to uncover?
By Kenneth Clark
Published: 2005
""The study of the arts is not a distraction from life; it is one of the most profound ways of engaging with the human experience.""
Kenneth Clark's sweeping narrative looks at how Western Europe evolved in the wake of the collapse of the Roman Empire, to produce the ideas, books, buildings, works of art and great individuals that make up our civilisation. The author takes us from Iona in the ninth century to France in the twelfth, from Florence to Urbino, from Germany to Rome, England, Holland and America. Against these historical backgrounds he sketches an extraordinary cast of characters -- the men and women who gave new energy to civilisation and expanded our understanding of the world and of ourselves. He also highlights the works of genius they produced -- in architecture, sculpture and painting, in philosophy, poetry and music, and in science and engineering, from Raphael's School of Athens to the bridges of Brunel.
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“"The study of the arts is not a distraction from life; it is one of the most profound ways of engaging with the human experience."”
Civilisation
By Kenneth Clark
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Kenneth Clark was a distinguished art historian, museum director, and author known for his profound insights into the evolution of art and its societal implications. Renowned for his ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity, Clark's notable works include 'Civilisation,' which was accompanied by a groundbreaking television series that brought art to a wider audience, and 'The Nude,' an exploration of the representation of the human form in art. His writing is characterized by a blend of scholarly rigor and accessible prose, making significant art historical concepts relatable to the general public.
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