Rick Steves' Europe 101
History and Art for the Traveler - This Book Makes Art Accessible
Rick Steves, the Europe Through the Back Door Author, Tackles Art History
Rick Steves' Europe 101, History & Art for the Traveler (7th ed.), by Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw (Avalon Travel Publishing, Emeryville, CA, 2007, 2007, ISBN (10) 1-56691-516-3, ISBN (13) 978-1-56691-516-8). Cover price $24.95.
Rick Steves has been making Europe accessible, affordable, and understandable to a largely American audience for decades. An experienced and dedicated travel guide, Rick is now well known for his books and television shows.
It's a bit of a departure to see a Rick Steves' guidebook without a specific regional focus, as many of his books are place-based. This thematic guide to history and art in Europe covers exactly the territory the title promises.
Not a Traditional Art History Book
The authors boldly state up front that this is not a book for art snobs. Rick Steves' whole travel philosophy is based on helping people understand how much more is available to them in Europe beyond the stereotypical tourist experience. Part of the richer experience is found in the art of the destination. Rick Steves' television programs always benefit from his eagerness to explore and share art, and to make it accessible to everyone. It's no surprise that he and Gene Openshaw, a long-time collaborator, would choose to write this book.
The Pictures Are Amazing
A good travel book should weigh more, page for page, than a novel, because of the amount of ink used for illustrations. This book passes the test easily, with over 650 high-quality pictures in about 500 pages. Not only does this make Europe 101, History and Art for the Traveler worthwhile for planning a trip, it also provides an excellent souvenir or memory aid for after the trip is over. It would not be surprising if some art teachers choose to use this travel guide in their classes even where there is no travel on the agenda.
European Art from the Prehistoric Period to Today
Ambitiously, in the space of about 500 pages, this whirlwind tour moves from early stone carvings such as the Venus of Willendorf to modern works, mixing history and art at every turn. The most popular pieces - the Da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo from an unknown sculptor at the Musee de Louvre in Paris, Michaelangelo's David at the Accademia in Florence, The Scream by Edward Munch in Oslo, the various works of Vincent Van Gogh everywhere - and many more works are pictured, discussed, and placed into a meaningful context.
There are time lines and diagrams for quick reference and orientation.
Art Appreciation Made Easy
The chapter on Art Appreciation explains some art basics, like colour, perspective, and media. This is accompanied by an exposition of religious imagery, and practical tips on how to visit an art gallery. As with everything Rick Steves publishes, the content is full of practical, readable information.
Toward the back of the book, after the chronological discussion of art and history, there are chapters on Europe today and Music Appreciation.
The index is 12 pages long. There is a 5-page bluffer's guide to the major artists and their works, and - this has to be the most audacious title - "Thirty-Two Millenia in Six Pages", for those who prefer the most concise version.
The Humour is ... Not Always Scintillating
The one downfall of this book is its occasionally corny humour, particularly at the beginning. There is one pun or joke after another, and sadly, they aren't all knee-slappers. Humour, however, is a matter of taste, and perhaps other readers will enjoy these quips more. The humour does not take away from the content of the book, which is rich in textual information and images. It's certainly very readable, and in places funny, just not necessarily in long stretches at a single sitting.
In balance, the book is an excellent popular guide, delivering high value for money. Although the authors claim that this is not a book for art snobs, in fact it would be difficult, perhaps impossible, to find a comparable guidebook in the same price range. A true art lover, whether a snob or not, would love to have Europe 101 on their bookshelf.
Rick Steves' Europe 101, History and Art
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