The Story of Art

The best book about art I've read so far. From start to finished, a chronological narrative of the (his)tory of art through the ages that gives information in a way that both newcomers to art or specialists can approve and enjoy. The premise that the love of art is the basis for its study shows herself with vastly illustrations, captions, charts and resources to present the history of art with art... read more

Gombrich is more than an authority, he's an advocate, and his love and deep respect for art infuse his invigorating text. In his discussion of twentieth-century art, for instance, Gombrich explains how even the most experimental contemporary art is connected in some way to what has gone before. Gombrich tells the story of art "as the story of a continuous weaving and changing of traditions in which each work refers to the past and points to the future." Gombrich's invaluable history is a veritable celebration of this "living chain." Donna Seaman (from Booklist)