Great masterpieces of world art. D. M. Field. 1979.

This book provides an introduction to the great works of art of the past and present, those of own culture and those of other civilisations and continents. The author has explained the background within which these works were created, and analyses the language in which the artist has expressed himself. 

Starting with the cave paintings and fertility symbols of prehistoric man, the text covers the ancient Middle East, Greece and Rome. It then moves on to medieval, Renaissance and modern Europe and America. As well as this continuous story of the Western tradition, the book includes chapters on Islamic, Oriental and primitive art, providing an excellent introduction to those styles which, however unfamiliar at first sight, have a haunting beauty and power.