What is art? Must it be a unique, saleable luxury item? Can it be a concept that never takes material form? Or an idea for a work that can be repeated endlessly?
Conceptual art favours a vivid engagement with such questions. It can take many forms: photographs, videos, posters, billboards, charts, plans and, in particular, language itself. Tony Godfrey has written the first ever clear, extensive, concise and informative account of this fascinating phenomenon.
Tony Godfrey's book is the intelligent, well argued, comprehensive and beautifully presented survey of Conceptual art we have been waiting on for years. It is both accessible and easily readable while at the same time conceding little intellectual high ground. This is an exquisitely designed paperback which both looks and feels the business. Buy it, steal it, or get your local library to buy it. This is that rare thing - an indispensable classic that is a must for anyone interested in understanding the roots of contemporary art.-Contemporary Visual Arts
Authoritative.-Christie's Books
More than just a compilation of sources, documents, and images... Osborne offers an original, challenging, reinterpretation of Conceptual Art... A solid contribution to the burgeoning re-examination of Conceptual Art.-Barry Schwabsky, BookForum
On the Art & Ideas series
Art & Ideas has broken new ground in making accessible authoritative views on periods, movements and concepts in art. As a series it represents a real advance in publishing.-Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate London
The format is wonderful and offers what had long been missing in academic studies: usable manuals for specific themes or periods... I am definitely not alone in welcoming Art & Ideas as a precious set of teaching tools.-Joachim Pissarro, Yale University
Phaidon's series may prove to be the pick of the crop. It boasts expert but undogmatic texts and a wealth of illustrations.-The Sunday Telegraph