Dr. Ernst Gombrich's The Story of
Art, first published in 1950, is a superb introduction to traditional western art (and
a few examples of Chinese, middle eastern, and ancient
art). True to the title, the book presents the whole of western art
history as a chronological narrative, and is intended for newcomers to art. It shows how history influences art and how art evolves in time. From cave painting to the late 20th century, the book takes its readers on a trip where they will learn not only how the egyptians painted, but also why they did it the way they did. Each chapter contains several large format art illustrations, including fold out images of works such as Boticelli's "Birth of Venus" or Pollock's "One". This book manages to teach how to look at art in a broader view, taking a look at the main historical events of each period. For students of art has become an easy reading, clear guide to the history of art, experienced readers appreciate Gombrich's use of detail and works selection. The book includes a bibliographay, chronological charts of art periods and artist's lives, and maps.