This lavishly illustrated book draws on Tate Britain's unrivaled collections to provide a lively and informative introduction to the story of art in Britain over the last 500 years. Author Richard Humphreys examines works by all the major artists, both in their own right and placed in broader contexts to convey their full richness and beauty.

Among the artists whose work is featured in beautiful colorplates are Turner, van Dyck, Hogarth, Constable, and Rossetti; the 20th century is represented by Gwen John, Barbara Hepworth, Francis Bacon, David Hockney, and Gilbert and George, as well Damien Hirst, Chris Ofili, and other leading contemporary artists.