This essential companion is the only book on British art to cover every period from the Anglo-Saxons to the present day, and every significant medium – from paintng, sculpture and printmaking to medieval goldsmiths' work and stained glass.

Here is 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; their are full bibliographies; and a gazetteer gives detailed information on collections of British art throughout the world.