For one-semester Art History and Art Appreciation courses. Authoritative and substantiveyet accessiblethis text looks at the historical and cultural contexts of art works and architecture around the world from prehistoric times to the 20th centurywith detailed and informative analyses of art, artists, patrons, and techniques. A unique chronological presentation in compact topical units offers an exceptionally easy-to-use formatwith general period/style introductions followed by self-contained sections on a selected number of specific representative pieces. The global focus emphasizes the diversity and commonality of human experience.