This remarkable volume provides a comprehensive survey of art from prehistoric times to the present. The numerous illustrations on every page, nearly 300 of which are in colour, trace the story of man's artistic development. From the lively art of the Stone Ages, the book goes on to tell of the rise of civilization in Egypt and the Near East, followed by the emergence of the Greek city states and the overwhelming beauty of Classical art. The Roman Empire, famous for its imposing architecture and triumphs of engineering, contributed to the spread of Christianity through Europe, and a new style, called Byzantine, arose which was to influence art in eastern Europe for many centuries to come. The Book now turns to history of art in the Near East, India, China and Japan, with reproductions of Islamic miniatures, Indian temple sculpture, Chinese pottery and jade and Japanese prints. In Western Europe, Carolingian and Romanesque styles were gradually replaced by Gothic , which is given dramatic life in many examples of sculptures, architecture and stained glass. Then follow the epic story of the Renaissance. Originating in Italy, the new styles and techniques spread through Europe culminating in the work of such great masters as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian. This cultural awakening, together with the after-effects of the reformation, gave rise to the remarkable Baroque period exemplified in the works of Bernini, El Greco, Rubens and the towering genius of Rembrandt. During the 18th century the great centres of art were Paris and Venice, while England produced such famous artists as Hogarth, Chippendale, Gainsborough, Constable and Turner. The book concludes with concise biographies of more than 200 famous artists..