The Story of Art by Ernst Gombrich

The Story of Art:

"Like every art historian of my generation, my way of thinking about pictures has been in large measure shaped by Ernst Gombrich. I was 15 when I read The Story of Art and like millions since, I felt I had been given a map of a great country, and with it the confidence to explore further without fear of being overwhelmed."—Neil MacGregor, former Director of the National Gallery, London, 1995

http://uk.phaidon.com/store/art/the-essential-art-book-collection-collect100049/#tab-1

• ABOUT THE BOOK
• REVIEWS

Who better to curate a collection of art book essentials than Phaidon, the publisher credited with having "invented the art book"? These stunningly produced, meticulously edited and exquisitely illustrated titles cover all sides of artistic endeavor, from prehistoric times to the present day.

Some examine man's earliest artworks, while others describe the latest developments in painting, sculpture and performance art. With this selection in hand you can understand art history, unpick the knotty ideas that lie beneath today's most important works, venture across the globe to take in the finest site-specific public artworks ever created, and get an insiders' guide to the cities currently on the rise within the art world.

This exclusive collection has been carefully selected by Phaidon's own editorial board, to give both dedicated gallery goers and art initiates the opportunity discover an entire world of artistic practice art through the prism of 10 impeccably conceived large-format books.

Here are just a few things the critics have to say:

"Gombrich has done more than any other human being to draw people towards an enlightened understanding of art. Wearing his immense learning lightly, tackling abstract ideas without losing his readers in jargon, he has attracted a devoted following." —The Sunday Times on The Story of Art

"The definitive guide to the medium of painting today." —Artnet News on Vitamin P3

"Beautifully produced... An absorbing and enlightening gallop through art. The careful balance of digestible chunks of information with beautiful images makes this equally rewarding as a dip-into coffee table book or a cover to cover read. " —Royal Academy of Arts Magazine on Art in Time

"The book's approach to the contemporary avant-garde is brilliantly executed through unique analysis." —Aestethica on Art Cities of the Future

"Illuminating ... Prepare to be inspired." —HungerTv on The 21st-Century Art Book

SPECIFICATIONS:

Format: Hardback
Size: 320 x 270 mm (12 5/8 x 10 5/8 in) 
Pages: 3500 pp
Illustrations: 5000 illustrations 
ISBN: COLLECT100049C