This book presumes the reader has a good knowledge of art history etc., and goes into great depth with much detail. As I was looking for something more general I found it heavy going in places and thought the last sections devoted to modern art disappointing with quesionable examples. I think we all have an instinct for what is good art, and a lot of these simply aren't - they separate the masses from art, rather than integrate. Apart from that, it's good value, plenty of illustrations and well written. It'll stay on my shelf as a reference book I can dip into from time to time.