130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Art

The Definitive Visual Guide
4.53 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 528 ratings, 33 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Art by Andrew Graham Dixon and DK is a comprehensive exploration of art history, offering a rich visual journey through time. It delves into various art movements, showcasing influential artists and iconic pieces from prehistoric times to the modern era. The book provides insightful commentary on how art has evolved and its cultural impact across different periods and regions.
Read More
Format: Hardback
$9000
Elsewhere:
$10000
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 4-6 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have a passion for exploring the evolution of art across centuries, delving into the masterpieces and techniques that have shaped our visual culture. Its richly illustrated pages offer an immersive journey through the creativity and context of iconic artists, making it a treasure for art enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The most comprehensive illustrated visual guide to 30,000 years of paintings and sculpture from around the world.

The ultimate introduction to global art, presenting 30,000 years of creativity in one lavishly illustrated book.

Discover all you need to know about art history in this definitive guide. Art: The Definitive Visual Guide brings a gallery of more than 2,500 of the world's finest paintings and sculptures into your home.

Spanning 30,000 years, from cave paintings to contemporary art, this stunning chronological exploration of every major artistic movement introduces the major milestones of each period, from the tomb paintings of Ancient Egypt, Qing Dynasty Chinese art, through to 20th-century Cubism and African art today.

Dedicated spreads explain how art works, for example introducing how artists use colour and composition. A visual timeline of key works gives an overview of the scope of each major movement, and each era and art movement is introduced with key information, placing art in the context of its time.

Accessible to art novices as well as seasoned enthusiasts, Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is a must-have for any bookshelf.

Series: DK Definitive Cultural Histories

View all
  • Design
    An updated edition of DK's stunning visual celebration of the world's most important designs and design movements. Discover the history of design with this gorgeous visual celebration of key pieces, movements, and designers, from the Arts and Craft movement to the digital age. Arranged chronologically, Design traces the evolution of design from its roots to the present day, from early...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $7500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Art
    The most comprehensive illustrated visual guide to 30,000 years of paintings and sculpture from around the world. The ultimate introduction to global art, presenting 30,000 years of creativity in one lavishly illustrated book. Discover all you need to know about art history in this definitive guide. Art: The Definitive Visual Guide brings a gallery of more than 2,500 of the...
    Hardback
    $9000
    Elsewhere:
    $10000
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Fashion
    A lavishly illustrated guide to the evolution of costume and dress from Ancient Egyptian clothing to today's cutting-edge designs. From simple to sophisticated, elegant to excessive, what we wear says who we are. This is the definitive visual guide to everything ever worn. From the extravagance of Ancient Egypt, through the legendary houses of Chanel and Dior, to today's catwalk...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $8500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Photography
    A beautiful illustrated history of photography from the first black and white images to celebrated examples of 21st-century digital photography. This lavish coffee-table book traces the history of photography from the first black and white images to celebrated examples of 21st-century digital photography. Photography celebrates the most iconic photographs of the past 200 years and includes more than 50 biographies...
    By Tom Ang
    Hardback
    Sold Out
  • Architecture
    The definitive global visual history of architecture From ancient dwellings to modern high-tech skyscrapers, discover everything there is to know about the history of architecture around the world. Covering over 6,000 years of human history, Architecture charts the most important developments in building materials, technology, and design, and the social changes that have shaped the architectural landscape. Explore every significant...
    By DK
    Hardback
    Sold Out

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241629031

Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Ltd

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 23 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: DK

Contributors:

  • Foreword by Ross King
  • Consultant editor Ian Chilvers
  • Consultant editor Andrew Graham Dixon

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 45.0mm

Width: 240.0mm

Height: 288.0mm

Weight: 2908g

Pages: 612

About the Author

Andrew Graham Dixon is one of the world's most prominent commentators on the visual arts. Highly knowledgeable, and with a gift for communicating complex ideas clearly and imaginatively, he is the author of Caravaggio- A Life Sacred and Profane, the best-selling biography of the Renaissance artist Michaelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. He is also the writer and presenter of several BBC art documentaries and the co-presenter of five series on the art and food of Italy alongside the chef Georgio Locatelli.

Also by Andrew Graham Dixon

View all
  • Vermeer
    A revelatory new biography of the enigmatic Dutch artist, published to coincide with the 350th anniversary of his death. The paintings of Johannes Vermeer of Delft are some of the most beautiful, even sublime, in the history of art. Yet like the life of Vermeer himself, they are mysterious and have for centuries defied explanation. Following new leads, and drawing...
    Hardback
    $8500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Also by DK

View all
  • Warhammer 40,000 Character Encyclopedia
    The first ever Warhammer 40,000 Character Encyclopedia profiles more than 160 fan-favourite characters. Want to dive into the grim darkness of the far future, but don't know where to start? Look no further! From the stalwart commanders of the Space Marines to the mysterious Phoenix Lords of the Aeldari, explore the greatest warriors and leaders of each warring faction. Featuring...
    By DK and Wade Pryce
    Hardback
    $3999
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • My Very First Bible Stories
    A beautifully illustrated collection of 14 favourite Bible stories, from Noah's Ark to the birth of Jesus. My Very First Bible Stories is perfect for parents and carers to share with young children beginning their journey of faith. Introducing a selection of favourite Bible stories with this meaningful book for toddlers. This illustrated board book contains 14 Bible stories that...
    By DK
    Board book
    $1700
    Elsewhere:
    $1799
    Backorder
    Ships mid October
  • A Little Course in Crochet
    Simply everything you need to know to learn something new. Ever wanted to learn how to crochet but don't know where to begin? Take the first step with A Little Course in Crochet, part of the popular series of learning guides from DK that explain everything and assume nothing. Learn at your own pace, in your own time, and in...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $2600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • My Very First Bible
    A perfect introduction to 25 of the most beloved Bible stories. This illustrated first Bible story book for children is a wonderful collection of 25 favourite Bible stories re-told for a young audience. Accounts from the Old Testament and parables from the New Testament are covered in a clear and accessible way. From Creation to Noah's Ark, each story is...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Titanic
    A picture-packed guide to the Titanic, from its incredible construction, catastrophic sinking, and lasting legacy. Travel back to the year 1912 and experience the tragic tale of the world's most famous and luxurious liner. This book tells the story of Titanic's fateful maiden voyage from Southampton, UK, to New York City. Learn what life was like for people on board...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • My First Words: Let's Get Talking
    This busy board book with tabs gets little ones thinking, talking, and learning new words! Let's learn first words and start talking! Can you spot the fluffy teddy bear? Where is the fluttering butterfly? From toys and farm animals to shapes and things that go, babies and toddlers will love pointing to and naming the different objects. This is the...
    By DK
    Board book
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Explore
    Maps to pore over, on subjects you'd never expect, compiled with explanatory diagrams and text to form an exciting new style of reference. Maps can help you find your way around more than just places, and knowledge can be shared using more than just words. Inside these pages, you will discover maps of science, history, nature, and space. Find a...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4100
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • World History
    A truly global view of history covering over 350 of the world's most important milestones and key turning points. An essential gift for every history buff, this boldly illustrated book maps out the events that have shaped our worldβ€”from the dawn of human civilisation to the present day. A comprehensive and accessible guide to the history of human civilisation, World...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4400
    Elsewhere:
    $4800
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design
    Extensive design inspiration backed up with practical content, including step-by-step instructions on how to build garden structures and planting techniques. Do you long to create the garden of your dreams? Turn ideas into reality with this brand new edition of the classic design bible. Whatever the size of your garden space, and whether starting with a blank canvas or renewing...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $6800
    Elsewhere:
    $7500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Animals
    A next-generation animal encyclopedia bursting with breathtaking photography and packed with the topics kids love most. Experience the world's most incredible animals in one amazing book. Like the hugely successful Eyewitness series itself, Eyewitness Encyclopedia of Animals includes all the topics children most want to read about. The world's most amazing animals are here, from tiny ants to the mighty...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $4800
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Ancient Greece
    A five-star guided tour of the ancient Greek civilisation. Embark upon a fascinating journey through ancient Greece - from its rise and fall to its lasting legacy throughout the Western world. Spanning more than 3,000 years, Ancient Greece explores the tumultuous history of this glorious empire in vivid detail - from its Minoan and Mycenaean origins to the apogee of...
    By DK
    Hardback
    $6600
    Elsewhere:
    $7500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Super Simple Chemistry
    Packed with all the core curriculum topics, this book for kids aged 12 and over is ideal for home and school learning. A fantastic aid for coursework, homework, and test revision, this completely comprehensive guide to Key Stages 3 and 4, and the entire GCSE curriculum, makes chemistry crystal clear and will have you exam-ready in no time. Each topic...
    By DK
    Paperback
    $3200
    In Stock
    Ships today

More from Arts & Culture

View all
  • Dylan's Pick
    Bold Types
    A tribute to 32 truly independent bookshops throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, from north of Auckland down to Dunedin, and coast to coast. Jane Ussher's photographs show every bookstore in its unique nature - including behind the counter, smoko rooms, the mess which tells the hardworking story behind the joy of matching books with customers. Jemma Moreira's careful editing has crafted...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    I’ll Believe in Anything
    From Jacob Tierney, the creator ofΒ Heated Rivalry, in partnership with Brendan Brady and AccentΒ Aigu, comesΒ I’llΒ Believe in Anything, an official and complete collection of annotated scripts for the biggest cultural sensation of the year, with all new exclusive behind-the-scenes content.Based on Rachel Reid’s blockbuster Game Changers book series,Β Heated RivalryΒ premiered on Crave and HBO in late 2025 andΒ immediatelyΒ took the world by storm.Β I’ll...
    Hardback
    $5499
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Home Again
    Join rock-legend, former Shihad frontman and lead singer of The Adults, Jon Toogood in this unflinching and no-holds-barred memoirΒ Home Again.This is more than a rock story.Β Toogood looks back on a 37-year career that helped define New Zealand rock music, and the personal cost that came with it.Β From a music-obsessed childhood in Wellington to the deafening roar of international stages, this...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Odyssey
    Composed at the rosy-fingered dawn of world literature almost three millennia ago, The Odyssey is a poem about violence and the aftermath of war; about wealth, poverty and power; about marriage and family; about travellers, hospitality, and the yearning for home. This fresh, authoritative translation captures the beauty of this ancient poem as well as the drama of its narrative....
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3599
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Iliad
    When Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey appeared in 2017β€”revealing the ancient poem in a contemporary idiom that was "fresh, unpretentious and lean" (Madeline Miller, Washington Post)β€”critics lauded it as "a revelation" (Susan Chira, New York Times) and "a cultural landmark" (Charlotte Higgins, Guardian) that would forever change how Homer is read in English. Now Wilson has returned with an...
    By Homer
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Birdlands Birdlands
    New Release
    Birdlands
    A rare, intimate journey into the wild islands where Aotearoa's birds live beyond the reach of most human lives. In the most remote outposts of Aotearoa, our islands are populated not with people, but with birds. From the storm-lashed Subantarctic Islands in the deep south to the scattered volcanic islands of Tikapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf in the north, Birdlands offers a...
    Hardback
    $4199
    Elsewhere:
    $5000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Disney Moana: The Official Cookbook
    Embark on a culinary adventure with Moana of Motunui with Pacific recipes inspired by Moana and Moana 2! After a long day of sailing to see how far you’ll go or keeping the demigod Maui out of trouble with Te Fiti, catch a break with the delicious dishes in Moana: The Official Cookbook! Featuring more than 50 recipes spanning the...
    Hardback
    $4499
    Elsewhere:
    $5299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Split Enz
    New Release
    Split Enz
    'My favourite band. Ever! And certainly the best dressed.' Sam Neill Split Enz were never designed to fit. Emerging from art school mischief in early-1970s New Zealand, they turned pop into surreal theatre: costume, character and melody colliding in a rock band that refused to behave like one. At the centre of that vision was Noel Crombieβ€”percussionist, performer and the...
    Hardback
    $5199
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Artist's Way
    The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron is a transformative guidebook that has captivated millions, including luminaries such as Elizabeth Gilbert and Tim Ferriss. With its profound ability to inspire and elevate, this book invites readers to embark on an enriching creative journey, fostering a deeper connection to one's artistic process and sense of purpose. The heart of Cameron's groundbreaking programme...
    Paperback
    $3700
    Elsewhere:
    $4500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • This Angry Pen of Mine
    This Angry Pen of Mine by Layne Staley invites you to dive into the untold creative world of Layne Staley, the legendary voice behind Alice in Chains. This extraordinary collection showcases his handwritten lyrics, deeply personal poetry, stunning original artwork, rare photos, fan tributes, and so much more. Step into the world of Layne Staley like never before. For the...
    Hardback
    $7299
    Elsewhere:
    $8999
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Life in Lyrics
    Freddie Mercury was one of the greatest showmen of the twentieth century. With his unparalleled voice and searing on-stage energy, he was a great pretender, a killer queen and a champion of the world. But behind the glamour lived a musician and lyricist talented beyond measure, and the creative force behind one of the most culturally significant and musically diverse...
    Hardback
    $5000
    Elsewhere:
    $6500
    Pre-order
    Out
  • Starside
    Enter the enchanting and deadly world of Starside, where swords have magic and power isn’t inherited – it’s claimed, from No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Alex Aster.Hundreds of years ago, a brutal war split a land in two. Starside is the realm of magic and immortals – the descendants of the gods, living in a power-rich paradise. Stormside...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Elsewhere:
    $3899
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.