An accessible, comprehensive, freshly-updated celebration of the vast range of human artistry from 28,000 BC to today

Brought completely up to date for this revised edition and now available in a compact new format, this new edition of Phaidon’s groundbreaking book presents art differently from all other compendia by revealing the huge diversity or in many cases, the similarity of artistic achievements around the globe. Images of more than 600 works from all periods and regions are arranged in chronological order, each with a short text that puts the work in critical context and explains its contribution to the development of art history.

‘A celebration of art-making. A new edition brings the story of the worlds art even further up to date.’ Wall Street Journal

‘A scintillating overview of art history … An indispensable companion for art and culture lovers.’ The Arts Society Magazine