The Story of Art (Edition 16) (Hardcover)

I loved this book. It explains in a very lively and understandable way (with, I'm sure, some simplification) the history of western art. The love of the author for his subject and for all those past artists is palpable and communicative. A great introduction and an enjoyable read.

Gombrich's "The Story of Art" takes on a very formidable challenge: to tell the history and story of art from its earlier inception thousands of years ago up to the present day (which for Gombrich was 1989). It helps that he does so with the help of colored reproductions of the art he highlights; "The Story of Art" has over 400 figures/pictures within. Gombrich not only manages to succeed in telling the story of art, but he does so in an incredibly-accessible and lively manner. "The Story of Art" does not read like an academic tome (though it is as well researched as any!), nor does it require any prior knowledge. As such, it really does make an incredible introduction to the often-confusing and often-misrepresented world of fine art.

A clear tour of the history of art including ancient, through the advent of perspective and modern art. Full disclosure: So comprehensive it needs to be re-read.

I read this cover to cover for a History of Art course at Uni. Very readable and a good introduction but a bit out of date now.

A very accessible book about the history of art