Exploring the human experience through the representation of the face in art, Debra Mancoff presents over 360 artefacts ranging from prehistoric figurines to Renaissance drawings, and from 16th-century African masks to 20th-century photographs, all selected from the British Museum’s collections. The book is arranged by theme, from birth and childhood, through love and beauty, faith, power and identity to death – the gallery of faces ending with an Aztec human skull covered in turquoise and lignite mosaic.
The face is not only central to identity, but is also the primary vehicle for human expression, emotion and character. It also signifies intellect and power, and has often been regarded as a window into the soul. Above all, it is the focus of our attention whenever we encounter another individual. But how have different cultures depicted faces, whether a likeness or idealized, whether masked or revealed, whether newborn, in the prime of life, dying or even deceased? Why has the depiction of the human face been so central to artistic expression in all world cultures, and why has it sometimes even been defaced or destroyed by iconoclasts and others?
Debra N. Mancoff explores the depiction of the human face through the full range of objects and works of art in the collection of the British Museum, and discovers how the face subtly conveys the full spectrum of human emotion. Arranged thematically, the book's chapters each begin with a brief introduction before depicting faces in various visually led pairings and groupings that encourage the reader to look for associations regardless of the objects' cultural origins. Some of the juxtapositions are allowed to speak for themselves; others are explored through brief narrative captions. Some of the juxtapositions raise a smile; others are surprisingly affecting. This book will both fascinate and delight the reader, offering insights into experiences that we all share as human beings and that our faces inevitably reveal.
Reasons to shop at Postscript
Independent bookseller Established in 1987, we’ve been sharing reading recommendations for decades.
Books you won’t find elsewhere Discover new authors among our frequently changing bookshelves, along with almost-forgotten gems and a wealth of unusual titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Eco-friendly packaging Orders are carefully packed in recyclable cardboard boxes, eco-friendly bubble wrap and solvent-free labels, paper and tape.
Condition and price All our books are new, unused and unread, and they’re all up to 75% off RRP.
FREE monthly catalogue Featuring over 400 handpicked titles, our unique catalogue is carefully curated and includes new and unusual titles, special features and exclusive collections.
Email newsletters Our tailored newsletters are written by our booksellers, and we always highlight the books that we have talked about most in the Postscript office.
Footnotes blog Some books spark ideas and conversations that our catalogue can’t contain – our Footnotes blog offers a deeper dive into a wealth of topics to inspire further reading.
Aftercare We are all serious book people and we understand the value of reading. This is why we package our books so carefully and employ a helpful in-house customer services team to promptly resolve any queries you may have.
Delivery information
UK
Free UK standard delivery on all online orders over £25
Unlimited books in one delivery charge:
• Standard: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
• Click & Collect: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
• Next Day (orders must be placed before 1pm, Monday–Friday): £4.50
• Royal Mail Tracked48: £5.50 (2-4 working days)
Highlands and Islands delivery: standard delivery only (5-7 working days)
Overseas
All orders: delivery costs for orders outside the UK are based on country of destination and product weight.
You can view your overseas delivery cost using the Summary section within the Basket.
For more information on delivery/overseas orders please refer to our Delivery Information.
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/face514642The Facehttps://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/1/514642_8c9aea73267fe17e29e2eb4826def446.jpg6.996.99GBPInStock/Non-Fiction/Categories/Art/Non-Fiction/Gift Ideas/Gift Ideas/Categories/Art & Photography Gift Books/Gift Ideas/Categories/Gifts Under £10/Non-Fiction/Highlights/Gift Ideas/Categories/History Gift Books/History/Highlights/Ancient Civilizations/History/Categories/Cultural History/Gift Ideas/Categories/Art & Design Gift Books/Gift Ideas/Categories/Gifts Under £15/Gift Ideas/Categories/View All Gift Books/Non-Fiction/Categories/Art/Art Forms/Campaigns/Thames & HudsonExploring the human experience through the representation of the face in art, Debra Mancoff presents over 360 artefacts ranging from prehistoric figurines to Renaissance drawings, and from 16th-century African masks to 20th-century photographs, all selected from the British Museum’s collections. The book is arranged by theme, from birth and childhood, through love and beauty, faith, power and identity to death – the gallery of faces ending with an Aztec human skull covered in turquoise and lignite mosaic. Hardback00https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/f/a/face_1.pnghttps://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/f/a/face_3.pnghttps://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/f/a/face_2.pnghttps://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/f/a/face_4.pnghttps://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/1/514642.pngadd-to-cartrrp_info:£16.95productId:57184bic_code:AC, AG, PSBIC-Edu-HumanitiesAC, AG, PSBIC-Edu-Humanities£16.95Debra N MancoffGeneral188x168mmThames & HudsonNoHardback
