The Story of Art by Ernest Hans Gombrich was initially introduced to me as an art history text book. It was this very book that inspired by passion to pursue a future in Art History (but then I realized my love for literature, don't worry). I used to think that Art History was nothing but a load of hot air, but Gombrich changed my mind completely.
Although it was used as a textbook, I read it like a story. It seems almost fictional how enigmatically complex art history really is! Gombrich does such a wonderful job of explaining all the intricacies of art and progresses such as the invention of foreshortening, the eight visual elements, and such other once-obscure ideas. The book is constantly updated (I believe it's at edition fifty-three right now) and explains new movements in art such as post-post modernism and the death of old techniques such as tempra. But honestly, the best think about The Story of Art is that it does not neglect the social aspects influencing art. It's as much a history book as an art book.
I cannot stress how beneficial and how easily read the book is. It is a bit fleshy, but it flies by. I've read it at least three times because of how informative it is. You will definitely emerge on the other side a more enlightened person and you will have new insights into art. The objectivity of Gombrich opens doors to new analysis to art works, and it's like the author himself is speaking to you face-to-face because of how interactive it is. He jumps into the second person very often, which made me feel important when I first read it (I was an adorable little fourteen-year-old). Also, the book makes a great companion to you fans of Dan Brown (ehhem PIP!).
Emma.
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