tom and i bought this book in 89? on a london trip and visited the gallery to see the paintings with the book. we went every morning, listened to gallery talks on different paintings. I REMEMBERED NOTHING. pretty sad. ( )

The National Gallery in London houses one of the richest collections of paintings in the world. As Sir Michael Levey says in his preface to Homan Potterton's guide, "No eye will ever exhaust the enjoyment these pictures provide, and a lifetime spent gazing at them is wisely spent." Homan Potterton, an Assistant Keeper at the National Gallery for many years, tells the story of the growth of this great collection and has chosen nearly 350 illustrations of its masterpieces from all periods. A catalogue of the National Gallery's works is included.

"Will for long remain the standard introduction to the Gallery...Mr. Potterton shows himself second to none in his selection of the principal paintings, with notes of easy authority and humor." --The Antique Collector