An accessible, comprehensive, freshly-updated celebration of the vast range of human artistry from 28,000 BC to today

Brought completely up to date for this revised edition and now available in a compact new format, this new edition of Phaidon's groundbreaking book presents art differently from all other compendia by revealing the huge diversity – or in many cases, the similarity – of artistic achievements around the globe. Images of more than 600 works from all periods and regions are arranged in chronological order, each with a short text that puts the work in critical context and explains its contribution to the development of art history.

'A celebration of art-making. A new edition brings the story of the world’s art even further up to date.' – Wall Street Journal

'A scintillating overview of art history ... An indispensable companion for art and culture lovers.' – The Arts Society Magazine