This is a quick, handy reference guide to art from prehistoric times up to the present. The book is arranged in chronological order, covering all the main time periods, movements and well-known artists. There are time lines for each section as well as brief introductions to what was happening politically, socially etc. at the time, and also in-depth looks at famous artists. The text is accessible and authoritative. The layout is easy to follow and well laid out. In short, this is the ideal student's or layman's guide to the history of art.