'One could not praise too highly its lucidity and balance. If it were a novel, one would even speak of its un-put-downability.' (Sister Wendy Beckett)

'Comprehensive and illuminating. Explicates an enormous amount of material with eloquence and enthusiasm.' (Booklist)

'The best short study in English. John Lowden has a facility for presenting his subject without presuming too much or saying too little. Compact in style and beautiful to look at, this is a likeable as well as a learned book.' (Catholic Herald)

'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)