Story of Art

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 respects 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.'This is a book which, widely read as it will certainly be, may well affect the thought of a generation. Gombrich writes conversationally and intimately. His learning, though very perceptible to any student of the subject, is worn lightly, but he has something new to say on almost every subject. He can illuminate with a few words the whole atmosphere of a period.' T J Boase, Times Literary Supplement, reviewing the 1st edition, 27 January 1950 'A pure delight, intellectually and physically.' Professor H W Janson, New York University, 1950 'Like every art historian of my generation, my way of thinking about pictures has been in large measure shaped by Ernst Gombrich. I was 15 when I read The Story of Art and like millions since, I felt I had been given a map of a great country, and with it the confidence to explore further without fear of being overwhelmed.' Neil MacGregor, Director of the National Gallery, London, 1995 'It is hard to overstate my enthusiasm for this new edition of one of the pivotal works in the great cause of helping bring people and art together. The elegant new design, bringing the illustrations back into their proper relationship with the text; the glorious colour of the illustrations, many completely new; and the limpid, radiant text, itself updated, combine to make this edition a triumph. A book to read, re-read, and, in this format, to savour lovingly like a classic vintage.' J Carter Brown, Director Emeritus, National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, Chairman, US Commission of Fine Arts, 1995 'Almost as well known as the Mona Lisa, Sir Ernst Gombrich's The Story of Art unites learning and pleasure.' Pierre Rosenberg, Président-Directeur, Musée du Louvre, Paris, 1995 'More people - artists, students and scholars alike - have been introduced to the world of fine art, in the last 45 years, though Ernst Gombrich's The Story of Art than through any other single book. It is a magnificent story, written by a great historian whose directness, suspicion of jargon and enthusiasm remain as infectious as ever. The new edition is excellent news for those of us who grew up with Gombrich's book - and even more excellent news for those who are about to.' Christopher Frayling, Professor of Cultural History, Royal College of Art, London, 1995 'The Story of Art was the first history of art which I read as a 19-year-old student. It was a revelation and I could not put it down. It pushed open the door on some of the greatest achievements of the human spirit. Written with love and scholarship, clarity and insight, it stands as a classic cornerstone in any appreciation of art.' Bridget Riley, artist, 1995 'I owe a great debt of gratitude to Ernst Gombrich. I read The Story of Art at school at the age of 15 with curiosity and growing compulsion. It planted in me a feeling of the centrality of art in human experience. His combination of breadth of knowledge and personal insight encouraged me to look at as much painting and sculpture as I could. I re-read the book recently and it is still as strong as ever.' Antony Gormley, sculptor (winner of the 1994 Turner prize), 1995 'Equation: Knowledge + Eye; Solution = Gombrich.' Henri Cartier-Bresson, photographer, 1995 'This book could change your life.' Jeremy Isaacs, General Director, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, 1995 'Not just the most readable introduction to its subject, but a ravishing example of the book-maker's art.' The Times, reviewing the 16th edition, 25 September 1995