The Story of Art is an introduction to art

Art

Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect....

, written by E. H. Gombrich.

First published in 1950, it is widely regarded both as a seminal work of criticism, and as one of the most accessible introductions to the visual arts

Visual arts

The visual arts are art forms that create works which are primarily visual in nature, such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts, and often modern visual arts and architecture...

. It was originally intended for younger readers. It has sold over seven million copies to become the best selling art book of all time, is currently in its 16th edition, and has been translated into approximately 30 languages.

Review

• "This is a book which may well affect the thought of a generation." The Times Literary Supplement (1950).
• "A pure delight, intellectually and physically." Professor H.E. Janson, New York University.
• "First published almost 30 years ago, this is the best-selling book on the history of art - and no wonder. It is comprehensive, lucid, authoritave and - a bonus - warmed throughout by personal enthusiasm." Sir Hugh Casson, President of the Royal Academy, 1976-84.
• "An ideal introductory volume for art history." J. Carter Brown, director, National Gallery of Art, Washington (1983)

External Links

• Contemporary artwork about "The Story of Art"