The following are some great general resources for art history that we use frequently for reference. More specific books, articles, and information are included on specific posts. Have any suggestions? Let us know!

Carol Strickland, The Annotated Mona Lisa (Amazon)

This is one of my personal favorites. It’s short, very concise, and simply written — perfect for a first step into art history. It’s easy to read in one or two sittings, so you can get a great overview of Western art. –C.K.

David G. Wilkins, Bernie Schultz, and Katheryn M. Linduff, Art Past, Art Present (Amazon)

Here begins the onslaught of textbooks. I am only familiar with two, this one being hefty, but not quite as hefty as the 50-lb. Gardner’s below. This book (written by University of Pittsburgh professors! Yeah Pittsburgh!) is more in depth than Strickland, but not too overbearing with its information. A good next step. –C.K.

Fred S. Kleiner and Christian J. Mamiya, Gardner’s Art Through the Ages (Amazon)

In my opinion, Gardner’s is the art history textbook to beat all art history textbooks. It was my first textbook. Although it doesn’t cover everything perfectly (what book can–there’s a LOT to say), it’s huge and has excellent coverage of Western art, as well as pretty good coverage of non-Western too — Japanese, Chinese, Indian, etc. Definitely the book to invest in if you really love art history! –C.K.