This comprehensive collection, published by Purnell, offers a deep dive into the history of art, spanning from ancient civilizations to the modern era. Originally released as a weekly series in the 1960s, these volumes are celebrated for their high-quality reproductions and accessible scholarly text, providing a chronological narrative of global artistic evolution. The set features works from master artists such as Augustus John and Velázquez, alongside explorations of 16th and 17th-century movements. This specific lot includes Volumes I through V, plus two additional volumes focusing on the 16th and 17th centuries, all in good vintage condition with some expected shelf wear to the spines and minor toning to the pages, but the bindings remain secure and the interior illustrations are vibrant and clean.