Does it sound too good to be true? Well, Dorling Kindersley have produced the definitive global gallery in a stunning new book which contains the sort of quality printing that art lovers dream about!

This is not so much an 'art book' as a unique guided tour of 2,500 of the world's most influential paintings and sculptures, with leading art critic Andrew Graham-Dixon as one of your friendly guides.

As he says in his foreword to this amazing tome, its aim is to 'open, to the general reader, a thousand doors into a thousand different experiences of art.'

Developing an interest in art, he asserts, 'is to embark on a voyage of discovery that leads to countless thrilling places and promises all kinds of unexpected encounters.'

And this definitive visual guide is truly an epic journey taking in work from over 8,000 collections and 700 artists and covering worlwide art and art movements from prehistory cave paintings to 21st century 'installations'.

The picture-packed pages are certain to prove as absorbing for teenagers setting out on the road to artistic discovery as for those who just want to revisit some 'Old Master' friends.

Each image is superbly reproduced and accompanied by an authoritative commentary and fascinating detailed analysis to help readers understand key meanings and symbols.

Produced in collaboration with the Bridgeman Art Library, the book opens with a very helpful, short section explaining how to 'read'
paintings and sculpture by looking closely at composition, subject matter, technique and style.

And it is surprising how the simple steps of formal analysis swiftly become an automatic process when viewing the paintings and how much this knowledge increases your enjoyment of art.

With a veritable army of Britain's leading art experts at your disposal, the book provides an unprecedented opportunity to enjoy free lessons in art history.

The main part of the book is a 540-page chronological look at the famous artists with each section subdivided into the main periods of art history, introductions to the different movements and their individual characteristics and influences.

Masterpieces are analysed in graphic detail through 'Closer Looks,'
which help you to better understand the artist's intentions, style and methods, and magnificent thematic gallery spreads explore how artists from different periods approach common subjects like landscapes, still life and portraits.

But perhaps this book's greatest asset is its accessibility - a unique combination of crisp and dynamic images combined with an infectiously enthusiastic commentary.

Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is the sort of reference book that would sit comfortably on any shelf - home, school or library - but make sure it's a sturdy one! Tipping the scales at a hefty seven pounds, it really is worth its weight in gold!

(Dorling Kindersley, hardback, £30)