A Short Book About Art (Expanded Edition)

Newly expanded to feature additional artworks from more diverse artists, this edition includes fresh commentary across the six chapters to update the publication to the present day. It builds on six key themes that help to draw compelling—and perhaps unexpected—parallels in the story of art across different cultures and time periods, highlighted with a clear visual identity.

The bestselling survey of art history, newly expanded with additional artworks and fresh commentary across six overarching themes: looking, materials, mind, devotion, power, and sex.

How is art made? How can we interpret the meaning behind it? And what is the significance of the way in which it is displayed? Using six common themes that bind together art from around the globe, this lively and illuminating journey through art history seeks to answer these questions and more, drawing parallels across different time periods and cultures—from cave paintings to contemporary multi-media works.

This expanded edition of A Short Book About Art offers new illustrations and fresh insights—the perfect companion for anyone seeking to learn more across a stunning breadth of art.