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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ of 5 ⭐️s

So I think it's pretty much confirmed that I'm a fan of Mary Beard's work and will devour pretty much anything she puts out. She's got a way of telling a story and talking about complicated stuff without it being too dry, and without sacrificing information (and gets her hits against the patriarchy along the way). This book is no exception - even though it's definitely a bit on the lighter side in terms of info.

I only got to maybe 4 hours total with #24in48 in the end, but I finished the book on Seahenge and this one, so I'm OK with that. Beard's always fascinating, I think; I especially enjoyed the first section and its focus on how we've seen ourselves.

Up next an ARC I received at ALA this year. Can't wait to dig in!

I think Mary Beard's pitch is spot-on. Her books are lively and accessible to the interested general reader without being light on content.

I enjoyed this take on art from the perspective of its viewers through the ages. Maybe that's a routine approach in academia but for me it made for an interesting alternative to the usual focus on the artist as genius/hero: "civilisation" means all of us, not just a handful of influential blokes in each age.

An excellent art historical survey of the human form. Mary Beard had such a wonderful tone, accessible, wry and thoughtful. She considers the inextricable relationship between art, artist and viewer and how it both reflects and shapes the society and culture around us. Many thanks to @libby1 for sending me this lovely book

4/5 star 💫 A fascinating and interesting look into how human shape has been sculpted and painted from ancient civilisations through to today. As well as how we look at religious art and sculpture throughout history. It was a fun and quick read and puts light on a few sculptures I‘ve been curious about. Mary Beard can do no wrong in my eyes. #marybeard #ancientcivilisations #nonfiction #history #booklover #bookblogger #bookish #bookaddict

6/8 hours into #8intwo and I‘m pretty pleased I decided to stay up late and read. I have to start revision for my exam tomorrow so I‘m hoping to get this book finished and start another before then. Perfect excuse to read, it‘s Sunday morning, the baby is snuggled in my lap watching Pingu with her owl. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I can read while she does that, right? 😹 #ancientcivilization #nonfiction #marybeard #booklover #bibliophile #bookaddict #bookblogger

This book though. I‘m about 1/8 hour into #8intwo so far and Mary Beard does not hold back, does she? Erotic Greek vases ahoy! 😹😹 I actually snorted. These are the things that make studying the Greeks so fascinating, I‘m sure. #ancientcivilization #nonfiction #mythology #booklover #bibliophile #bookaddict #bookstagram #bookblogger

These are my choices for #8intwo mini-readathon starting tonight until Sunday night. Thank you @25infive for hosting. It‘s going to be fun! 🙌🖤 #historicalfiction #bibliophile #bookaddict #booklover #bookstagram #bookblogger #nonfiction #ancientcivilization #greekmythology #25infive

Going to spend the evening drinking copious amounts of coffee and reading Mary Beard. How will you spend your evening? #booklover #bookblogger #bibliophile #greek #roman #ancientcivilisations #classics #classicist

I‘ve decided to start this has my next read. It‘s slim and glossy and I‘ll probably finish it quickly then I can go onto an Achilles reread 💁🏼‍♀️ Almost made its decision for me. #marybeard #classicsstudent #classicist #ancientcivilization #nonfiction #bibliophile #bookaddict #booklover #bookblogger #bookstagram

My “favourite” time of all, the choosing of my next read. I‘m torn between rereading the Song of Achilles before reading Circe or reading How Do We Look first. I rationalise that the Beard book is new and Miller is a reread but I‘m going to have to reread it before I start Circe anyway so 🤷🏼‍♀️ Where to begin! #greekmythology #classicist #classicsstudent #bibliophile #bookaddict #booklover #bookblogger #bookstagram #bookishcandles

Started last night, finished tonight! Hope that demonstrates how much I enjoyed this. I love history and art, but it has always seemed like such a wide subject to get involved in or read about. When I saw this book I thought I'd give it a go and I'm glad I did. It obviously isn't a comprehensive guide to art history, but Mary touches on those profound pieces of art that have impacted on civilisation, as in the way we look at ourselves and others.⬇

How lovely to find this unexpected surprise from @Libby1 waiting for me at home. I've been meaning to read more of Mary Beard and this one looks fascinating. Thank you so much!

Boys are asleep so I'm going to have a read of this. Only 210 pages so hoping I can tackle a 100 of those before I start nodding. A fair few pictures and large writing so it should be managable. My walk out today plus time spent in the sun plus some more time tidying the house has helped clear my head. Little rituals like just keeping spaces clutter free really helps in getting my mind to focus.