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33 pages 1 hour read

Vermeer's Hat

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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Timothy Brook

Vermeer's Hat

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Netherlands • 17th Century

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Vermeer’s Hat: The Seventeenth Century and the Dawn of the Global World, Timothy Brook uses five paintings by Johannes Vermeer and other artworks to explore the beginnings of globalization in the seventeenth century, tracing connections between trade, commerce, and the movement of people. Through detailed analysis, Brook reveals how Vermeer's work reflects the interconnected and ever-expanding global interactions of his time. The book discusses themes such as transculturation and sovereignty, illustrating how cultural exchanges and trade impacted societies worldwide, often leading to significant social and economic consequences.

Informative

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.0

2,971 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Timothy Brook's Vermeer's Hat garners praise for its insightful examination of global trade in the 17th century through pivotal art pieces. Readers commend its engaging narrative and interdisciplinary approach, blending art history and economics. However, some critics find the book's tangential digressions detract from core themes. Overall, it offers a unique historical perspective but may occasionally meander.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Vermeer's Hat?

Readers who enjoy broad cultural histories and the interconnectedness of global events will appreciate Timothy Brook's Vermeer's Hat. Fans of a similar narrative approach found in Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel or Daniel Defoe's historical explorations will find this book compelling.

4.0

2,971 ratings

68%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Netherlands • 17th Century

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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