Unlike several other introductory books that focus either on developmental themes or single pieces of art, Gardner manages to balance the two modes of description, offering a coherent view of the development of art from the prehistoric onwards. A helpful addition to this edition are snippets detailing artistic techniques / excerpts from contemporary primary resources / diagrams that give a better view of the world views during that time.

Although slightly esoteric for the total newbie (and maybe a bit of an overload), this text becomes more useful when used as a reference and starting point for further research on certain artists or art works. Readers/students looking for a slightly less in-depth, more thematic-based introduction should use the concise edition of Art Through the Ages.

In conclusion:
A must-read for all aspiring art history students. A valuable reference for those ever-so-slightly interested in art and its interconnectedness to socio-cultural development. Simply the best introduction to art history I've seen. ( )

I used it before as a student and afterwards as a teacher.
Even though there are fortunately some other good books on the subject this one has been the best one. Each new edition has even enhanced all the good qualities in this book.

It includes not only all cultures and periods described in a clear and thorough way, but also a really good bibliography that has helped me a lot while trying to find a book about an artis, period or culture. This bibliography is really superior to any other introduction to Art History. ( )

A classic for anyone wishing to study art history. My husband and I used it in college and our son used our book 20 years later to do the same (even though new editions have come out since them). We have also used it throughout the years to research specific artists or works.

The history and record of human art from the ancients to the near present. Text book type of volume. ( )