This guide to 50 famous artists begins with the Limbourg brothers in the 15th century and ends with Jackson Pollock in the 20th century. The large format (10.25x14") affords satisfying reproductions of great paintings. Each artist is allotted a two-page spread which is dominated by one or two works of art. The annotations consist of brief comments about techniques and themes, and these comments are connected with pointer lines to the relevant portions of the painting. An introductory paragraph summarizes the artist's life and significance, a few key works are identified, a few events of the era are listed, and some information about the artist's reception and exhibitions is included. In an introductory overview such as this reference, the lack of a bibliography is a serious deficiency. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or. Read Less