Hailed as the most up-to-date and comprehensive survey published in a single volume, this new edition is an authoritative, balanced, and enlightened account of the history of art. It presents art history as an essential part of the development of humankind, encompassing the arts of Asia, Africa, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas-spanning from the primitive art of hunters 30,000 years ago to the most controversial art forms of today. The text is beautifully and generously illustrated with over 1400 superb photographs, including architectural plans and color maps.