Combining the history of ideas; institutions; and architecture; this study shows how the museum both reflected and shaped the place of art in German culture from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century. On a broader level; it illuminates the origin and character of the museums central role in modern culture.James Sheehan begins by describing the establishment of the first public galleries during the last decades of Germanys old regime. He then examines the revolutionary upheaval that swept Germany between 1789 and 1815; arguing that the first great German museums reflected the nations revolutionary aspirations. By the mid-nineteenth century; the climate had changed; museums constructed in this period affirmed historical continuities and celebrated political accomplishments. During the next several years; however; Germans became disillusioned with conventional definitions of art and lost interest in monumental museums. By the turn of the century; the museum had become a site for the political and cultural controversies caused by the rise of artistic modernism. In this context; Sheehan argues; we can see the first signs of what would become the modern style of museum architecture and modes of display.The first study of its kind; this highly accessible book will appeal to historians; museum professionals; and anyone interested in the relationship between art; politics; and culture.
#4094395 in eBooks 2015-04-03 2015-04-03File Name: B00VN7MPEI
Review
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Beautiful; messy and rawBy A viewerAchingly sublime one moment; gritty; messy and raw the next. When Moby leaves us an unfinished piece at the end; its because he himself mdash; like his music mdash; is an evolving work in progress. Up to that point; we are introduced to a young man who continually [and hilariously] begs forgiveness of every sin of the flesh by an easily offended ticked-off Christian God who made him annoyingly imperfect. Next we meet a DJ who learns to navigate New York at its most artistically creative; and at its most devastating due to the AIDS crisis. Seems theres always a homeless guy; a street hustler; a poor dog and rich symbolism lurking in the background of almost every scene. Moby wants to belong but is cursed with acute self awareness of being different. Some may say those differences separate the artist on stage from the rest of us; even if Moby is a self-deprecating; funny; and somewhat reluctant artist mdash; he does seem blessed both in music and now in storytelling by the very god he feared he may have offended at the start.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An amazing read. Thank you Moby.By CSIf youre reading this; chances are youve heard some of Mobys music. Most people probably recognize him by his best selling album "Play". Im personally a pretty big fan of his so I pre-ordered this book with disregard as to whether or not Mr. Moby could string two sentences together. Wow; what a wonderful surprise.Its a well written snippet into 10 years of this mans life that helped make him the amazing artist that he is today. Using mostly NYC as the backdrop; you get to relive so many moments out of his life that are at times seem almost too crazy to be true. Some of the stories are humorous. Some are dark. Others are sad. While some are poignant and really show a side of him I never thought Id learn about.Some of my favorite chapters involve his stories of how he created his most iconic songs ("Go"; "Feelin So Real" etc.). Really fascinating stuff.Even if you arent a fan of Moby; Id still recommend this as a good read.Thank you Moby for writing this and sharing with us a piece of your life.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. In the 90s I had an octopus tank. The octopus would come out from under his rock and dance on the sand under the black light tBy KrisYour brilliant music was the soundtrack to our lives when you wrote those songs and now us kindred spirits have been reached again. In the 90s I had an octopus tank. The octopus would come out from under his rock and dance on the sand under the black light to your music and also to Rhapsody in Blue...I kid you not... and Im sure many of us have danced and cried and many other things to your music ..it stands the test of time...like your book will...both reach our hearts and souls across this vast world...and yes; it does make us happy and so much more and the kindred spirits that read this will know exactly what i mean..: ) and we await the sequel ; ) thank you for coming "out from under the porch"...it gives us courage to do the same you are loved ..collectively by all your fans..we r here. Thank you Moby for writing this book for so many reasons.
