Paintings of the Western World, a simple, concise guide to the development of the art of painting, contains many valuable suggestions that the initiate and the student will find helpful for a deeper appreciation and enjoyment of great works of art. In Part I, the author discusses what “art” is and concerns himself with the materials and techniques employed by painters; with perspective, composition, and light and shadow; and with art as a mirror of its age. In Part II, he discusses masters and styles in art history; many of these famous paintings are reproduced here to illustrate the text.