A World History of Art, Revised 7th ed.: Revised 7th Edition Paperback – 12 Aug. 2009

The book in its breadth, scope, treatment, scholarship, illustration and literary merit truly sets standards of excellence. In particular the breadth and scope of a single volume treatise albeit of large format and nearly one thousand pages length is nothing less than impressive. The first review of the book written in 2000 is as pertinent to-day as it was then but with the qualification that the flaw identified then namely the inadequate treatment of 20th century art has in this seventh edition been ably remedied by the eminent contemporary art historian Michael Archer.The book traces the evolution in the visual arts including architecture from the paleolithic era to the beginning of the 21st century and covers every continent and culture. With over 1400 illustrations, half of them in full colour and an array of maps, diagrams, time charts, an outstanding glossary, an excellent list of suggested further book reading and index comprises a complete and comprehensive text. An interesting feature in the book are the boxes which in this edition have been expanded to include additional areas apart from 'Sources and Documents' and 'In Context' which, however, correctly prevail.The wide array of considerations in the book treatment of such complex issue as art can best be appreciated by citing two excerpts from the introduction which relate to our perception of art and its place in the scheme of human affairs and the human condition:'The essential unity of aesthetic, moral and natural experience can be felt in them (works of art) in varying degrees, and they sharpen our awarness of how richly it falls on the receptive consciousness. For our senses are inextricably interwined, the religious with the aesthetic, the aesthetic with the moral, and the moral with that of order and proportion. The appeal of a great work of art is never purely visual, simply to delight the eye'.'In every human society, art forms part of a complex structure of beliefs and rituals, moral and social codes, magic or science, myth or history. It stands midway between scientific knowledge and magical or mythical thought, between what is perceived and what is believed and also between human capabilities and human aspirations'.The book certainly comprises one of the most valuable assets of the art book collection in my library.

You can tell a lot of love and passion, and possibly headaches, were involved in the making of this book. I’m no art historian, I’ve bought this just to show it off on the coffee table but this book is truly marvellous. It’s filled with pictures and the historical description is so detailed but not boring - the different pieces of art and art movements are all interlinked and interwoven in a compelling entertaining story. It’s bigger than I expected - not that this is a negative thing. I feel like this book will entertain me for quite a while. Bravo to the authors!

The text is largely jargon free but what is noticeable is that many Of the photos are mainly not the usual suspects. Almost every other guide have the same pictures but apart from a few the pictures are lesser know examples and from women artists as well which is not typical. If you only ever buy one book on art either for yourself or others, especially pupils and students, make it this one. If we ever get to a wholly digital future this book will be a valuable reminder of the art and skill of book production.

I'm a first year History of Art student and this book was a part of our reading list. I can't say it's the best book you can find on History of Art as far as my experience shows. The book is incredebly vague because it's trying to cover... well, the history of art. It does so well, considering the fact it has no space to go in too much detail. As a general book that gives a first impression on artists and their major work, I'd say it's worth it. But if you already know the basics and you're looking for a more indepth material, this is definitely not the book for you. It's good to keep in mind the purpose of this book and whether it answers what you need. I'd personally compare it to a book version of a sort of Wikipidea for art. Whenever you need quick and yet reliable information, and you would rather not search through the internet, this book offers that info. A bonus of course are the amazing illustration. The quality of the images is really good.

Superb. Excellent quality book in all ways and content is very comprehensive. Covers architecture, photography, sculpture and other forms of art as well as painting and also in terms of the development of techniques. Very well presented in historical periods both in time and cultural classifications. A huge book but by far the best I’ve purchased on Art and I have a few.

An excellent overview of World art from the ancient to the modern. Just what I needed, (and all in one volume) for my introductory history of art course. Very readable, both for 'dipping into' and for more detailed reading. Excellent illustrations, and my tutor says the colours are better than in many more expensive books.The only problem is that it is very heavy, and has obviously become bigger with every new edition. Soon it will need to be in two volumes.

I recommend this book if you are studying Level two and level three courses in Art History with the Open University it is a fantastic read and supports your course materials that the OU provide. I brought this book to further my knowledge of art history I wish I had had this book at the time I was studying my degree.Even if you are not doing a degree buy the book anyway it is a brilliant book and helps you develop a deeper understanding of art and art history.

A beautiful and comprehensive guide that should be on all art lovers bookshelves. I am so pleased with this purchase, it looks beautiful but also has a fantastic in depth overview of the important artiisit and styles through the ages. A must have!