The Art of Wonder: A History of Seeing [Hardcover]

'[Julian Spalding] presents a mind-boggling assortment of thoughts on matters that go far beyond the perception of art.''His wide-ranging arguments challenge us to open our eyes wide and look afresh at things familiar...'The Art Book, May 2007

Destined to become an indispensable classic, this fresh and invigorating guide to appreciating the world's art encourages readers to trust their own instincts, tastes, eyes and experiences. Renowned curator, award-winning museum director and controversial art critic Julian Spalding has never been part of the academic establishment. He is not bound by the burden of scholarly trends - deconstruction, post-structuralism or post-Marxism. As a connoisseur and a practising curator, he helps us reconsider our relationship with the arts and makes us aware that seeing is the true gift. He shows us how mankind's early vision of the sun and moon, the seasons and death is reflected in art and draws striking parallels between apparently disparate cultures, eras and peoples. Reaching across continents and back through time to study the earliest known works as well as the modern world's most memorable accomplishments, Spalding offers a highly original and revealing history of art. The wonders of the world have changed little, what has changed through history is our way of understanding, approaching and seeing them and our role in it.

Julian Spalding is a full-time consultant, writer and broadcaster. He has served as director of numerous museums in Sheffield, Manchester and Glasgow and as a consultant for museums and museum associations in Holland, Denmark, Russia, Germany, Canada, Italy and Australia. Spalding is Master of the Guild of St. George, the educational charity founded by John Ruskin. He is the author of several books, including The Poetic Museum and The Eclipse of Art (both by Prestel). He lives in Edinburgh.