This book is subtitled "A social history of the dog in art". Secord traces the history of dogs starting from pre-historic times, through the days of Pompeii and fall of Rome, and into the 1700s when dog paintings really began to flourish. Lovely color prints of many famous paintings including those by Wardle, Landseer, Maud Earl, and Binks, just to name a few. Great addition to a serious collection of dog art books.

Pros: History of the dog in art

Cons: none

Secord does a great job in tracing the history of the dog paintings. Starts with the Greeks and goes thru modern artists. Many pictures, a lot in black and white. Excellent reference book and looks great on the coffee table too. Makes a nice gift for the dog lover in your life.

Pros: Complete reference book on dog paintings

Cons: expensive

Bill Secord is one of the most knowledgeable on period art of the dog than anyone I have ever met! He has a marvelous gallery in NYC. If you are looking for a particular breed of dog to be featured in the art piece, then Bill is your man. This book is a phenomenal example of his knowledge in this area.

Pros: none

Cons: none

Good look at how past generations viewed their animals. Can also see how the artist have improved in painting accurately the animals.

Pros: good social history also

Cons: none

very interesting and beautiful book for browsing.

Pros: Lovely illustrations

Cons: none