The first book in the "50 Ideas You Really Need to Know" series, which has sold over one million copies worldwide...

Let's face it, a visit to an art museum can be an inspiring experience, but it can also be terribly boring. Of course, there's no rule that we have to love every painting or sculpture just because it's a work of art. But it's also true that having the knowledge to see what's behind what we're looking at can make us see, understand, and even be affected by that work in a different way. In other words, terms like "baroque" or "post-modern" weren't invented for us to use in social gatherings to look cool - or funny - they're useful.

50 Art Ideas You Really Need to Know is an excellent introductory book to art history, from major art movements to their leading representatives. This book, part of the "50 Ideas You Really Need to Know" series, which has sold over one million copies worldwide, covers main art periods such as Baroque, Renaissance, classical Greek, and ancient Egyptian, as well as leading movements like romanticism, minimalism, surrealism, and pop art. It takes those who can't distinguish between Degas and Monet or Dali and Duchamp - you're not alone! - on a journey full of creativity, labor, and rebellion from prehistory to the present day. It's an ideal book for those who want to enjoy art a little more.
(From the Promotional Bulletin)