This introduction to the history of art shows art's powerful role in representing and even transforming the world views of varied cultures. In this revised edition, the narrative of the western and non-European traditions are combined to present a global history of art, highlighting the interactions between geographically distant and culturally distinct societies. Historical research is combined with attention to style, chronology, iconography, technique, function and context. Boxed essays focus on themes and issues across six broad categories: architectural basics; materials and techniques; written sources; religion and mythology; art and society and art in the news.