History of Design: Decorative Arts and Material Culture, 1400–2000

I have rarely received a book like this and wanted to sit down to devour it. That would be impossible because it is so filled with gorgeous plates and pictures and text that is so comprehensive that it would take a very long time to get through it much less "devour" it. That is not a criticism. It is a very high compliment.This could be a "coffee table" book, I guess, and the coffee table would appreciate having such a book on top of it. But this is a book to be consulted and to be read--over a very long time, of course. And, yes, it is very heavy as others have noted. But not an ounce heavier than it needs to be or should be. If you measure the value or the burden of your books by weight--this will one will make you very happy or sad, depending. For the rest of us, bliss.

I bought this for a person who majored in Design. It will take up a spot on the coffee table where it can maintain a dust free area.

One of the most comprehensive books on the subject - beautifully illustrated and even better, beautifully written. It fully deserves five stars for the book itself.HOWEVER, the book arrived with a damaged cover due to very poor packaging. The book, which is heavy and large, was placed in a box much too large for it, with four plastic air packages thrown it. It wasn't shrink-wrapped, so it evidently bounced around in shipment and arrived with a slightly torn spine and corners. I didn't think it warranted a return (although I did complain - no response!). However, I would urge others who order the book to return it if they experience similar problems.

I’m sure the actual content of the textbook is great, but I am VERY disappointed that my book came in used and damaged. The cover is dirty, the front cover is loose and floppy, and the top has a bunch of pen holes. I would not have minded if I bought the book USED, however, I ordered this textbook as NEW and paid $65. It didn’t even come plastic wrapped either … how unsatisfactory.

I got this as a gift for my son, and he is truly delighted with it!

Fabulous compilation of Decorative arts - can't wait to now read it after perusing a few times

Only issue is that is so HEAVY!

The integrity of the spine was compromised upon arrival. This is not a bargain basement purchase and it’s quite a pity this happened especially after reading reviews to see I’m not the first.

A wonderful introduction to the history of design, suitable for

It came used, as advertised but was expecting a bit better quality for used. Shipping was extremely fast

It arrived safely

Authoritatively ell written and well illustrated - but then one has come to expect nothing less from Pat Kirkham, whose love of the applied arts always shines through her work.