Torbrügge Walter. Prehistoric European Art

New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1968. — 260 p. — (Panorama of World Art).Only a small portion of the Prehistoric artifacts that have come down to us can be classified as strictly artistic; however, it is impossible to grasp the significance of any of them without reference to their cultural background. As it is, a great deal still remains problematical or unknown. Since a general introduction to Prehistory would be out of place here, each section is followed by a map of the sites and a chronological chart of the period with which it deals. The maps are intended merely to indicate the find spots of the objects illustrated in this book and do not cover all the existing sites. As for the chronological charts, the simplest possible indications have been given, precise dating being in many cases still a matter of scholarly controversy.
The book is divided chronologically according to the main cultural periods, and within each of these divisions similar kinds of product are grouped together. Naturally, the periods are not equal in artistic or cultural importance, nor were all types of artifact produced in every age. Now and again, the strict archaeological sequence has been abandoned in order to follow the development of particular styles or motifs. This applies especially to the period covering the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age, which otherwise breaks down into a multiplicity of geographical and chronological subdivisions.The Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Periods.
The Neolithic Period.
From the Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age.
The Western Mediterranean.
Early Nomadic Horsemen.
The La Tene Period.