Book Description: For one-semester Art History and Art Appreciation courses. Authoritative and substantive--yet accessible--this text looks at the historical and cultural contexts of art works and architecture around the world from prehistoric times to the 20th century--with detailed and informative analyses of art, artists, patrons, and techniques. A unique chronological presentation in compact topical units offers an exceptionally easy-to-use format--with 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.