E. H. Gombrich

An illustrated introduction to art appreciation with a survey of the major art periods and styles and descriptions of the work and world of the masters.

The Story of Art - 16th Edition

E.H. Gombrich

" The Story of Art, one of the most famous and popular books on art ever written, has been a world bestseller for over four decades. Attracted by the simplicity and clarity of his writing, readers of all ages and backgrounds have found in Professor Gombrich a true master, and one who combines knowledge and wisdom with a unique gift for communicating his deep love of the subject. For the first time in many years the book has been completely redesigned. The illustrations, now in color throughout, have all been improved and reoriginated, and include six fold‐outs. The text has been revised and updated where appropriate, and a number of significant new artists have been incorporated. The bibliographies have been expanded and updated, and the maps and charts redrawn. The Story of Art has always been admired for two key qualities: it is a pleasure to read and a pleasure to handle. In these respects the new edition is true to its much‐loved predecessors: the text runs as smoothly as ever and the improved illustrations are always on the page where the reader needs them. In its new edition, this classic work continues its triumphant progress tirelessly for yet another generation, to remain the title of first choice for any newcomer to art or the connoisseur. "

Samuel Barnes

In fact, [Michelangelo] became so used to this cramped position that even when he received a letter during this period he had to hold it over his head and bend backwards to read it.

Ernst Hans Gombrich

"The Story of Art is one of the most famous and popular books on art ever published. For 45 years it has remained unrivalled as an introduction to the whole subject, from the earliest cave paintings to the experimental art of today. Readers of all ages and backgrounds throughout the world have found in Professor Gombrich a true master, who combines knowledge and wisdom with a unique gift for communicating directly his own deep love of the works of art he describes." "The Story of Art owes its lasting popularity to the directness and simplicity of the writing, and also the author's skill in presenting a clear narrative. He describes his aim as 'to bring some intelligible order into the wealth of names, periods and styles which crowd the pages of more ambitious works', and using his insight into the psychology of the visual arts, he makes us see the history of art as 'a continuous weaving and changing of traditions in which each work refers to the past and points to the future, a living chain that still links our own time with the Pyramid age'. In its new format, the 16th edition of this classic work is set to continue its triumphant progress for future generations and to remain the first choice for all newcomers to art."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Story of Art

Nat Boeken 

Great book that edits history of western art into a digestible and captivating narrative.

Jody Bain

Katie Chua

5 STARS, THIS WAS A REAL PLEASURE !!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO GO TO AN ART MUSEUM NOW

Sheila Goicea

If you are looking for a wonderful, all-encompassing (text)book about the story of art throughout history, this is a must-have, go-to, tome--for it is a big book. 

I read this entire book for an art history course in college, but I LOVED it. I remembered looking forward to reading it above any other class materials. (It's probably because I'm a bit of a nerd and art fanatic...) Either way, it's wonderful. It's informative, the pictures are high quality, and it takes you on a timeline through early art right up to the present era. 

I had lent this book out to another classmate and never got it back. So, I bought another for referencing. 

Whether you like reading about art history, like books with large art photos for perusing, or like collecting books (preferably about art) this is one you should add to your collection.

Jane Krauss

I used this book in the study of art history, I love the pocket edition as it has all the artworks in the book and as a student, I found it useful for visual and contextual analysis.

The Story of Art - 16th Edition

Reviews

Highlights