Rick Steves' Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler

"An unusually gifted and passionate travel writer""Humorous and historical perspective covering a mere 5,000 years of Western civilization.""Europe 101 is a diligent and thorough review of the subject that steers visitors in the right directions.""Steves preaches a low-cost, low-to-the-ground style that not only saves money, but gets you closer to the real Europe, the way Europeans experience it"

Now in full-color comes a witty and engaging look at Europe's history and art, from America's European travel expert, Rick Steves.Rick Steves' Europe 101 helps you make the most of your sightseeing. A fun but informative guide, this "professor in your pocket" features chronologically organized chapters-from the pyramids to Picasso-that explain the forces behind Europe's most important cultural and artistic periods. Other features include handy lists of sights that allow you to link your newly acquired knowledge with the specific paintings, sculptures, and buildings you'll see on your trip, a humorous, readable style that is a joy to read compared with the history textbooks you slept on in school, and timelines, maps, drawings, and photos that illustrate Euro

To recharge, Rick plays piano, relaxes at his family cabin in the Cascade Mountains, and spends time with his partner Trish, son Andy, and daughter Jackie. Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. . Gene Openshaw is a writer, composer, tour guide, and lecturer on art and history. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 20

"Great book" according to Mzbethhnc. Heavy and beautiful book. Are you going to be an Art expert after you read this? No. However, it gives you the basic history of the different Eras. I like that it shows you pictures of some of the more known pieces and where you can see them in person. Bought this for my upcoming trips to Europe, starting with Rome and Florence.. i love norge said Nice overview for all. Love it. I agree w/ Rick--rip out parts you need on a trip because the book is very heavy for a suitcase. Very interesting reading for basic art history--good for someone who doesn't generally care much about art. I minored in art history but I still thought it was interesting.. Great book, makes you feel smart David S. This book has been around since Jesus was a teenager and it is still the best of its type if you are a european newbie. you will always be in the know, when it comes to just what the heck you are looking at, in terms of art and history.