How Do We Look: The Body, the Divine, and the Question of Civilization by Mary BeardMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
4.5 stars. An examination, as part of an updated version of Kenneth Clarke's Civilisation, of not only how people have appeared over the ages, and, in the second part, how they have imagined and attempted to depict the divine, but also, “how we look,” as viewers and consumers of art, at the same images. Unlike the original, which I have sadly never seen or have possibly only seen parts of, and to which Ms. Beard pays unabashed tribute, this survey does not concentrate only on Europe, but ranges from the Olmec heads of Mexico to Angkor Wat, in addition to art and architecture in England, Italy, Greece, and Egypt. Short - just a little over 200 pages - but very thought-provoking in its insights and reflection, and the photos are gorgeous.
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