An excellent overall history of the visual arts spanning 20,000 years of human creativity. Vigorous writing, exceptional scope of scholarship, penetrating assessment of artistic values and close integration of the historical background and social factors that contributed to artistic expression -- all these factors make this book a gold mine for the average reader and intelligent young person. Almost 1000 illustrations in black and white gravure and color, each with its own caption and identification as to locale, avoid any confusion. This is a beautiful gift item.