The Art Book

Winner of the Illustrated Book of the Year award in 1994, The Art Book has been an outstanding success and has become a well-known landmark in the art book world. Now published in over 20 different languages and in mini, midi, and hardback formats, it has received rave reviews from numerous newspapers and magazines and has made many appearances on the bestseller lists. Complemented by The 20th Century Art Book and The American Art Book, its unique approach brings art alive. An A-Z guide to 500 great painters and sculptors from medieval to modern times, it debunks art-historical classifications by throwing together brilliant examples of all periods, schools, visions and techniques. Each artist is represented by a full-page colour plate of a definitive work, accompanied by explanatory and illuminating information on the image and its creator. Glossaries of artistic movements and technical terms are included, making this a valuable work of reference as well as a feast for the eyes. By breaking with traditional classifications, The Art Book represents a fresh and original approach to art: an unparalleled visual sourcebook and a celebration of our rich and multi-faceted culture.

This compilation draws together the research and works of a broad selection of curators, critics, artists, and academics.

'An anthology crackling with visual energy.' (The Times)

'A fat, fun volume.' (Newsweek)

'This season's most interesting and accessible reference book.' (Harpers Bazaar)

'Big, fun, well-designed guide to 500 favorite painters and sculptors.' (Wall Street Journal)

'A must for beginners and art critics alike - believe me!' (What's On)

'The art book of the year.' (Art and Craft Magazine)

'Beautifully designed. Thoroughly cross-referenced, the book presents a fresh perspective and is fantastic value.' (The Good Book Guide)

'The Art Book which succeeded in bringing an enormously convoluted subject matter to a mass audience without...compromise.' (The Inverness Courier)

'The ultimate art bluffer’s book has arrived.' (Options)

'It’s an illuminating way of looking at art; and hard to put down!' (Leisure Painter)

'This is the perfect book...something which you can buy and never regret. Dip into it occasionally and you’ll emerge with a slight edge in Trivial Pursuit, but it can also take you by the hand and explain what can seem like a whole different world. Ten stars, or something.' (Oxford Student)

'As a visual source book, its first class and gives you a quick tour of art history without necessarily leaving your chair. If art is a new interest, it’s a great place to start but it will also be welcomed by regular gallery goers and students of art history.' (Brisbane News)

'It's so nicely executed that it’s a pleasure to look at and flick through, and acts very well as a springboard to send you off to look for more of their work.' (Mail on Sunday)

'A new way of looking at art.' (Yorkshire Evening Press)

'Presents a fresh perspective for those new to the study of art.' (The Good Book Guide)

'As close to perfection as you’ll get.' (The Bookseller)

'Brilliantly eccentric.' (Marie Claire)