Art: The Definitive Visual Guide (DK Definitive Cultural Histories)

Best overall visual art history book there is. Basically is the history of visual art from beginning of time up to modern era. Excellent quality photos, and for the more famous (or large) paintings, there are usually a few pages dedicated to breaking it down in smaller photos of each section with an analysis of that part, which is helpful for larger paintings. Mainly paintings, however there are several bits of pottery, sculptures, etc. And the best part is the book follows a historical timeline, from start to now, broken into sections of the style/eras/period, so it's easy to find "Italian Renaissance" or "Impressionism" with the flick of a page.If you were to own one book that that summarizes visual art history, touching base on most of each era with prime examples, this is the one to own. 600 pages of pure gold.

Just magnificent. The author provides wonderful explanations and even includes a reminder of how to look at art.. It covers not just Western art but Islamic and other cultures a swell. At this began price I was able to send copies to two friends, not for any special occasion but just because. The reproductions are top notch. What a treat.

super big book!!! even has a word dictionary in the book which i’m in love with because you really can just enjoy this book ! it covers everything !!! i’m in love with it seriously as an artist i don’t know why i didn’t think of getting this sooner!

Was very surprised it was a lot more amazing was patte as a gift, but thought that it was well worth the money.

Very nice

Loveeeeeee the book itself. But also makes a great coffee table book as it is large in size.

Believe the good (vs "damaged" book) reviews. This book is well arranged and organized with a zillion sidebars on artists, movements, historical contexts, political history, technique/methods and so much more. From well-known to more obscure but equally influential artists.Overwhelming in a good way. And don't get me started on the pictures. Simply phenomenal.

I believe this is a good book. I only flipped through and did not really read it. I can tell it covers a full spectrum of the art history and quality of the printing is excellent.I ended up returning it because the print in this book is really small and it's hard to read without straining my eyes. It is understandable because it would be a huge book otherwise.