Anne D'Alleva presents art history students with a clear and accessible introduction to the critical theories behind art historical practice. In outlining some of the most current and widely used theoretical perspectives, she helps the reader to understand the ideas that have shaped art history over the centuries. In chapter one D'Alleva defines theory and explores how the tough but rewarding work of engaging with it enhances our understanding of art and helps to develop lines of questioning to guide research. In the core of the book, chapters Two through Five, she presents detailed discussions of various theoretical approaches, taking specific examples and showing how a particular approach is applied to them. Finally, in Chapter six she gives practical pointers to writing research papers and theses. D'Alleva's experience as an art historian informs this crisply written and invaluable manual for the art history student.