This book covers every significant medium of art, from painting, sculpture and printmaking to medieval goldsmiths' work and stained glass.

Here will be found clear, up-to-date information on hundreds of artists and on more general topics such as schools, concepts techniques, institutions, patronage and art criticism. The many illustrations have been chosen to illuminate the whole range of subjects and artists and to highlight connections between them.

The entries are cross-referenced; there are full bibliographies; and gazetteer gives detailed information on collections of British art throughout the world.