This palm-sized collection surveys important movements, works, and most abundantly individuals from the art world, from pre- and early history to the present. A two-page entry for Mary Cassatt or Raphael, e.g., includes a biographical timeline, text on the artist's context and work, and two to four examples of their art. The artists are primarily European, but broad considerations of Egyptian, Asian, and New World art are included, along with a few individuals from those regions. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)