Story of Art, The

The Story of Art, one of the most famous and popular books on art ever written, has been a world bestseller for over four decades. Attracted by the simplicity and clarity of his writing, readers of all ages and back-grounds have found in Professor Gombrich a true master, who combines knowledge and wisdom with a unique gift for communicating his deep love of the subject.
For the first time in many years the book has been completely redesigned. The illustrations, now in colour throughout, have all been improved and reoriginated, and include six fold-outs. The text has been revised and updated where appropriate, and a number of new artists have been incorporated. The bibliographies have been expanded and updated, and the maps and charts redrawn. The Story of Art has always been admired for two key qualities: it is a pleasure to read and a pleasure to handle. In these reaspects the new edition is true to its much-loved predecessors: the text runs as smoothly as ever, and the improved illustrations are always on the page where the reader needs them. In its new edition this classic work continues its triumphant progress for another generation and remains the title of first choice for all newcomers to art.

Sir Ernst Gombrich’s standing in the world of art and his popularity with experts and a vast general readership alike remain unrivalled. His books have been translated into nearly thirty languages and many titles have become classics. Ernst Gombrich was born in Vienna in 1909 and came to England in 1936. He spent the larger part of his working life at the University of London’s Warburg Institute, where he was Director from 1959 until his retirement in 1976. To date his ‘retirement’ has seen the publication of numerous books, reviews and articles, and the conferring of many international honours, including a knighthood and the Order of Merit. In 1994 the city of Frankfurt awarded him the Goethe Prize. His bestselling book, The Story of Art, first published fifty years ago and now in its sixteenth edition, continues to delight and inform students of art around the world. Professor Gombrich’s books are models of good art-historical writing, and reflect his deep and abiding concern with the standards and values of our cultural heritage