Top 100 Non-Fiction Books on Art

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Top 100 List

Creating a list of the top 100 non-fiction books on art is a daunting task, as it involves a vast array of subjects, including art history, theory, criticism, and the biographies of artists. However, I can suggest a broad, diverse selection that spans various periods, movements, and facets of art. This selection will include foundational texts, influential critical works, and comprehensive histories that have shaped our understanding of art and its role in society.

Top 100 Non-Fiction Books on Art

1. "The Story of Art" by E.H. Gombrich - A comprehensive guide to Western art history from prehistoric times to the modern era.
2. "Ways of Seeing" by John Berger - A seminal work that challenges traditional perceptions of art.
3. "The Lives of the Artists" by Giorgio Vasari - Early biographies of Renaissance artists, crucial for understanding the Renaissance art movement.
4. "Art as Experience" by John Dewey - An exploration of art as the expression of the human experience.
5. "Concerning the Spiritual in Art" by Wassily Kandinsky - A key text on abstract art and its spiritual dimensions.
6. "The Power of Art" by Simon Schama - Vivid narratives that bring to life the impact of art and artists throughout history.
7. "The Shock of the New" by Robert Hughes - An authoritative guide to the development of modern art.
8. "Art and Illusion" by E.H. Gombrich - A study on the psychology of pictorial representation.
9. "The Painted Word" by Tom Wolfe - A critique of modern art and its dependence on theory.
10. "The Letters of Vincent van Gogh" by Vincent van Gogh - Insightful correspondence that offers a look into the mind of the artist.
11. "Dada: Art and Anti-Art" by Hans Richter - An account of the Dada movement by one of its participants.
12. "Ways of Curating" by Hans Ulrich Obrist - Insights from a leading figure in contemporary art curation.
13. "The Originality of the Avant-Garde and Other Modernist Myths" by Rosalind Krauss - Essays on modern art and its myths.
14. "Seven Days in the Art World" by Sarah Thornton - An exploration of the contemporary art scene.
15. "Art & Fear" by David Bayles and Ted Orland - A book on the challenges faced by artists and the creative process.
16. "Camera Lucida" by Roland Barthes - A reflection on photography and memory.
17. "On Photography" by Susan Sontag - Essays critiquing the practice and consumption of photography.
18. "The Philosophy of Andy Warhol" by Andy Warhol - Insights from one of pop art's most iconic figures.
19. "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction" by Walter Benjamin - A seminal essay on art's transformation in modern society.
20. "Infinity Net: The Autobiography of Yayoi Kusama" by Yayoi Kusama - The life story of a unique artist known for her polka dots and infinity rooms.
21. "Color and Culture: Practice and Meaning from Antiquity to Abstraction" by John Gage - An exploration of color in art.
22. "The New York School" by Irving Sandler - A history of the Abstract Expressionist movement.
23. "The Art Spirit" by Robert Henri - Henri's beliefs about the nature of art and creativity.
24. "Leonardo da Vinci" by Walter Isaacson - A biography of the ultimate Renaissance artist.
25. "Art in Theory 1900-2000: An Anthology of Changing Ideas" by Charles Harrison & Paul Wood - A comprehensive collection of essays on modern art theory.
26. "The Art of Art History: A Critical Anthology" by Donald Preziosi - A selection of key texts on the methodology and history of art history.
27. "The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self-Portrait" by Carlos Fuentes - The personal writings of the iconic Mexican artist.
28. "The Ongoing Moment" by Geoff Dyer - A meditation on photography and its myriad interpretations.
29. "Art Through the Ages" by Helen Gardner - A comprehensive survey of world art from ancient times to the present.
30. "The Intrepid Art Collector" by Lisa Hunter - A beginner's guide to finding, buying, and appreciating art.
31. "Clement Greenberg: A Critic's Collection" by Bruce Guenther - A showcase of the influential art critic's work and collections.
32. "Why Are We 'Artists'?" by Jessica Lack - 100 world art icons answer this intriguing question.
33. "What Are You Looking At?" by Will Gompertz - A fun and accessible history of modern art.
34. "A World History of Art" by Hugh Honour and John Fleming - A global overview of art across cultures and eras.
35. "The Art of Looking: How to Read Modern and Contemporary Art" by Lance Esplund - Guidance on understanding and appreciating contemporary works.
36. "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon - A modern take on creativity in the digital age.
37. "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield - Insights into overcoming the obstacles to creative work.
38. "Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art" by Scott McCloud - A deep dive into the art form of comics and visual storytelling.
39. "The Private Lives of the Impressionists" by Sue Roe - A narrative of the personal lives of Impressionist artists.
40. "The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles" by Martin Gayford - An account of the brief, tumultuous period Van Gogh and Gauguin lived together.
41. "The Elements of Color" by Johannes Itten - A treatise on color theory by the famous Bauhaus teacher.
42. "The Age of Insight" by Eric Kandel - The quest to understand the unconscious in art, mind, and brain, from Vienna 1900 to the present.
43. "The Rebel" by Albert Camus - An essay on man in revolt, with implications for art and creativity.
44. "Art and Objecthood" by Michael Fried - Essays and reviews that critique the minimalism and conceptual art movements.
45. "Art After Modernism: Rethinking Representation" by Brian Wallis - A collection of essays on postmodern art.
46. "The Art Forger's Handbook" by Eric Hebborn - A controversial figure reveals the secrets of the trade.
47. "The $12 Million Stuffed Shark" by Don Thompson - The curious economics of contemporary art.
48. "Nine Streetwise Strategies for Becoming a Visual Artist" by Jerry Saltz - Practical advice from the renowned art critic.
49. "The Triumph of Modernism: India's Artists and the Avant-garde, 1922–1947" by Partha Mitter - A history of modernist art in India.
50. "Art and Visual Perception: A Psychology of the Creative Eye" by Rudolf Arnheim - The classic study on how we see art.
51. "Graffiti World: Street Art from Five Continents" by Nicholas Ganz - A global survey of graffiti and street art.
52. "The Open Studio: Essays on Art and Aesthetics" by Susan Sontag - A collection of essays exploring the role of art in contemporary society.
53. "The Forger's Spell" by Edward Dolnick - A true story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the greatest art hoax of the twentieth century.
54. "Keeping an Eye Open: Essays on Art" by Julian Barnes - Engaging essays on art and artists by the acclaimed novelist.
55. "The Art Instinct" by Denis Dutton - Beauty, pleasure, and human evolution explored through art.
56. "The Art of Cruelty" by Maggie Nelson - A reconsideration of the role of cruelty in art.
57. "Hold Everything Dear: Dispatches on Survival and Resistance" by John Berger - Political essays with a focus on art's role in resistance.
58. "The Everyday Work of Art" by Eric Booth - How artistic experience can transform our everyday lives.
59. "The Hare with Amber Eyes" by Edmund de Waal - A family's century-spanning journey through art and history.
60. "Bright Earth: Art and the Invention of Color" by Philip Ball - How the development of new pigments changed art.
61. "Nothing If Not Critical" by Robert Hughes - Selected essays on art and artists from a leading critic.
62. "The Masterpiece" by Émile Zola - A novel offering insight into the Parisian art world of the 19th century, reflecting on the challenges of artistic creation.
63. "Blitzed: Drugs in Nazi Germany" by Norman Ohler - Explores the use of drugs in the Third Reich, with implications for its impact on art and culture.
64. "The Painter of Modern Life" by Charles Baudelaire - Essays on 19th-century French art and the concept of modernity.
65. "The Art of Memory" by Frances Yates - An exploration of mnemonic systems and their relation to the arts.
66. "The Participatory Museum" by Nina Simon - A guide to making cultural institutions more dynamic and engaging.
67. "Black Art: A Cultural History" by Richard J. Powell - A survey of African American art and artists.
68. "The Return of the Real" by Hal Foster - A critical theory of postmodern art and theory.
69. "Art and Agency: An Anthropological Theory" by Alfred Gell - Proposes a new framework for understanding art and its effects.
70. "The Flamethrowers" by Rachel Kushner - A novel, but offers deep insights into the New York art scene of the 1970s.
71. "Interaction of Color" by Josef Albers - A foundational text on color theory and design.
72. "Playing to the Gallery" by Grayson Perry - Perry's humorous take on contemporary art and its audience.
73. "The White Road" by Edmund de Waal - A journey into the history of porcelain, blending art history with personal memoir.
74. "The Art of Rivalry" by Sebastian Smee - Explores the competitive friendships among four pairs of artists.
75. "Art Is the Highest Form of Hope & Other Quotes by Artists" - Inspirational thoughts and insights from artists across history.
76. "The Lonely City" by Olivia Laing - An exploration of loneliness through the lens of art and artists.
77. "The New Biographical Dictionary of Film" by David Thomson - While focused on cinema, this work offers insights into visual storytelling and aesthetics.
78. "Art & Physics" by Leonard Shlain - Parallel visions in space, time, and light, exploring the connections between art and science.
79. "Concerning the Spiritual in Art" by Wassily Kandinsky - An early exploration of abstract art and its spiritual dimensions.
80. "The Art of Not Making: The New Artist/Artisan Relationship" by Michael Petry - Examines the trend of artists outsourcing the creation of their work.
81. "How to See: Looking, Talking, and Thinking about Art" by David Salle - Offers insights into how to engage with contemporary art.
82. "Art as Therapy" by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong - Argues for the therapeutic potential of art.
83. "The Success and Failure of Picasso" by John Berger - A critical study of Picasso's career and impact on art.
84. "The Blue of Distance" by Rebecca Solnit - Essays that explore the color blue's presence in art and the imagination.
85. "The Lives of the Surrealists" by Desmond Morris - Biographies of surrealists, offering insights into their art and lives.
86. "Walk Through Walls: A Memoir" by Marina Abramović - The life of the pioneering performance artist.
87. "The Art of Forgery: The Minds, Motives and Methods of Master Forgers" by Noah Charney - Explores the history and psychology behind art forgery.
88. "The Story of Black" by John Harvey - Investigates the cultural and historical significance of the color black in art.
89. "Letters to a Young Artist" by Anna Deavere Smith - Encouragement and advice for artists in various disciplines.
90. "The Mirror of Magic" by Kurt Seligmann - A history of magic in art, from the ancient world to the Renaissance.
91. "The Creators" by Daniel J. Boorstin - A history of artistic creation from the ancient world to the modern era.
92. "The Value of Art" by Michael Findlay - On the market-driven dynamics that define the art world.
93. "Chromophobia" by David Batchelor - Explores the fear of color in Western culture and its impact on art.
94. "Art and Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking" by David Bayles and Ted Orland - Discusses the internal and external challenges to art creation.
95. "The Painted Word" by Tom Wolfe - A critical look at the modern art world and its reliance on theory over aesthetics.
96. "The Art of the Deal" by Donald Trump and Tony Schwartz - While not strictly about fine art, it offers insight into the business mindset in the context of art dealings.
97. "Leonardo's Brain: Understanding Da Vinci's Creative Genius" by Leonard Shlain - Explores the intersection of art and science in Leonardo's work.
98. "The Medium is the Massage" by Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore - Although focused on media theory, its concepts are deeply relevant to visual art.
99. "Aesthetic Theory" by Theodor W. Adorno - A dense philosophical work on the nature of art and its societal roles.
100. "The Art Book" by Phaidon - A comprehensive A-Z guide to 600 great artists from medieval to modern times.

This curated selection spans a broad spectrum of art-related topics, providing insights into the processes, philosophies, histories, and critical analyses that have shaped the art world. Each book offers a unique perspective, from the theoretical to the practical, the historical to the contemporary, enriching any art lover's understanding and appreciation of art.

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1. "Letters to a Young Poet" by Rainer Maria Rilke - Though not exclusively about visual art, it offers profound insights on creativity and the artist's journey.
2. "The Principles of Art" by R.G. Collingway - Explores the philosophy of art and the nature of artistic expression.
3. "Art and Culture: Critical Essays" by Clement Greenberg - A collection of essays by one of the most influential art critics of the 20th century.
4. "The Art of Art History: A Critical Anthology" edited by Donald Preziosi - A comprehensive collection of key writings on art history.
5. "On Beauty and Being Just" by Elaine Scarry - An exploration of the concept of beauty in art and its importance to social justice.
6. "The Birth of the Museum: History, Theory, Politics" by Tony Bennett - An analysis of the museum's role in shaping art and culture.
7. "The Painter of Modern Life and Other Essays" by Charles Baudelaire - A foundational text on modernist aesthetics.
8. "Color: A Natural History of the Palette" by Victoria Finlay - Investigates the origins and science of color in art.
9. "The Power of Images: Studies in the History and Theory of Response" by David Freedberg - Examines the impact of images on viewers throughout history.
10. "The Invisible Dragon: Essays on Beauty" by Dave Hickey - A provocative take on the role of beauty in art criticism.
11. "Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery" by Jeanette Winterson - Essays on the role and importance of art in society.
12. "The Philosophy of Fine Art" by G.W.F. Hegel - Hegel's comprehensive philosophy of art and aesthetics.
13. "Art as Therapy" by Alain de Botton and John Armstrong - Proposes art's potential to console and inspire viewers.
14. "The Ethics of Authenticity" by Charles Taylor - Discusses the importance of authenticity in modern culture, relevant to contemporary art.
15. "The Intangibilities of Form: Skill and Deskilling in Art after the Readymade" by John Roberts - Explores the concept of skill in modern and contemporary art.
16. "The Art of Seeing" by Aldous Huxley - An exploration of how we perceive art and beauty.
17. "The Everyday Work of Art: Awakening the Extraordinary in Your Daily Life" by Eric Booth - Encourages readers to find the artistic value in everyday life.
18. "The Originality of the Avant-Garde and Other Modernist Myths" by Rosalind Krauss - A critical examination of the notion of originality in modern art.
19. "Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers" by Leonard Koren - Introduces the concept of Wabi-Sabi, a central principle of Japanese aesthetics.
20. "Aesthetic Theory" by Theodor W. Adorno - Offers a critical analysis of the nature of art and beauty.
21. "Deep Storage: Collecting, Storing, and Archiving in Art" edited by Ingrid Schaffner - Explores the role of archives and collections in contemporary art.
22. "Ways of Curating" by Hans Ulrich Obrist - Insights from one of the most influential curators in the art world.
23. "The Age of Insight: The Quest to Understand the Unconscious in Art, Mind, and Brain, from Vienna 1900 to the Present" by Eric Kandel - Connects the cognitive sciences with the art of the Vienna Secession.
24. "Art and Illusion: A Study in the Psychology of Pictorial Representation" by E.H. Gombrich - A landmark work in understanding how we perceive and interpret art.
25. "Concerning the Spiritual in Art" by Wassily Kandinsky - One of the first works to explore abstract art and its spiritual dimensions.
26. "The Art Instinct: Beauty, Pleasure, and Human Evolution" by Denis Dutton - Argues that art appreciation is a core aspect of human nature.
27. "The Guerrilla Girls' Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art" by Guerrilla Girls - A humorous and critical take on the history of art from a feminist perspective.
28. "The Medium is the Massage" by Marshall McLuhan and Quentin Fiore - Explores the effects of media on human senses and perceptions, relevant to understanding contemporary art.
29. "The Open Work" by Umberto Eco - Discusses the idea of "open" works of art that require active interpretation by the audience.
30. "Seeing Through Paintings: Physical Examination in Art Historical Studies" by Andrea Kirsh and Rustin S. Levenson - Offers insights into the technical examination of paintings for art historians.
31. "Six Names of Beauty" by Crispin Sartwell - A philosophical exploration of beauty through various cultural concepts.
32. "Speculations on Speculation: Theories of Science Fiction" edited by James Gunn and Matthew Candelaria - Includes discussions on the artistic and speculative aspects of science fiction, offering insights into narrative and creativity.
33. "Stealing Rembrandts: The Untold Stories of Notorious Art Heists" by Anthony M. Amore and Tom Mashberg - A look into the world of art crime.
34. "Studio Life: Rituals, Collections, Tools, and Observations on the Artistic Process" by Sarah Trigg - An intimate look at the daily practices of contemporary artists.
35. "The Art of Memory" by Frances A. Yates - Explores the historical art of memory and its influence on Western culture.
36. "The Art of the Con: The Most Notorious Fakes, Frauds, and Forgeries in the Art World" by Anthony M. Amore - Examines the dark side of the art world.
37. "The Contemporaries: Travels in the 21st-Century Art World" by Roger White - A look at the lives of contemporary artists and how they navigate the art world.
38. "The Forger's Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis, and the Greatest Art Hoax of the Twentieth Century" by Edward Dolnick - Tells the story of one of the most famous art forgeries.
39. "The Lives of the Artists" by Giorgio Vasari - Early biographies of Renaissance artists, crucial for understanding the development of Western art.
40. "The Painted Word" by Tom Wolfe - A critique of modern art and its dependence on theory.
41. "The Philosophy of Art" by Stephen Davies - An introduction to the philosophy of art.
42. "The Story of Art" by E.H. Gombrich - A comprehensive and accessible history of art.
43. "The Value of Art: Money, Power, Beauty" by Michael Findlay - Looks at art through its commercial, social, and aesthetic values.
44. "This is Not a Pipe" by Michel Foucault - Explores the complexities of representation through the work of Magritte.
45. "To Have or To Be?" by Erich Fromm - Discusses materialism and consumerism, relevant to the commodification of art.
46. "Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life" by Amy E. Herman - Teaches how to see art (and the world) more insightfully.
47. "Walk Through Walls: A Memoir" by Marina Abramović - The memoir of the famous performance artist.
48. "What Painting Is" by James Elkins - A unique look at the act of painting, comparing it to alchemy.
49. "Why Art Cannot Be Taught: A Handbook for Art Students" by James Elkins - A critical look at art education.
50. "Why Beauty Is Truth: The History of Symmetry" by Ian Stewart - While focused on mathematics, it offers insights into the aesthetics of symmetry in art.
51. "Women, Art, and Society" by Whitney Chadwick - A critical overview of women artists and their representation in art history.
52. "You Are Not a Gadget: A Manifesto" by Jaron Lanier - Challenges the impact of technology on culture, relevant to discussions on digital art.
53. "Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future" by Peter Thiel and Blake Masters - Offers a perspective on innovation and creativity, applicable to the art world.
54. "500 Years of Italian Painting from the Glasgow Museums" - Showcases the depth of Italian painting and its influence on art history.
55. "Art & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking" by David Bayles & Ted Orland - Discusses the personal challenges artists face during the creative process.
56. "The Age of the Image: Redefining Literacy in a World of Screens" by Stephen Apkon - Examines the importance of visual literacy in contemporary culture.
57. "The Art of Innovation: Lessons in Creativity from IDEO, America's Leading Design Firm" by Tom Kelley - Insights into the creative process from a leading design firm.
58. "The Elements of Color" by Johannes Itten - A classic text on color theory and its application in art and design.
59. "The Essence of Photography: Seeing and Creativity" by Bruce Barnbaum - Explores the artistic and creative aspects of photography.
60. "The Genius of Birds" by Jennifer Ackerman - While not strictly about art, it offers insights into the beauty and complexity of nature, inspiring for artists.
61. "The Great Art Robbery: The Most Spectacular Art Heist of the 20th Century" by Edward Dolnick - Another fascinating look into the world of art theft.
62. "The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards - A classic text on developing drawing skills and enhancing creativity.
63. "The Rape of Europa: The Fate of Europe's Treasures in the Third Reich and the Second World War" by Lynn H. Nicholas - Chronicles the Nazi plunder of European art and its consequences.
64. "The Secret Lives of Color" by Kassia St Clair - Explores the history and significance of colors in art and culture.
65. "The Visual Display of Quantitative Information" by Edward R. Tufte - A seminal work on information design, relevant to the discussion on the aesthetics of information.
66. "Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art" by Scott McCloud - A deep dive into the art form of comics and visual storytelling.
67. "Vision and Art: The Biology of Seeing" by Margaret Livingstone - Explores how visual science influences art and perception.
68. "Ways of Seeing" by John Berger - A seminal work that challenges traditional perceptions of art.
69. "What Art Is" by Arthur C. Danto - A philosophical inquiry into the nature of art.
70. "Where the Heart Beats: John Cage, Zen Buddhism, and the Inner Life of Artists" by Kay Larson - Explores the influence of Zen Buddhism on the avant-garde composer John Cage and the postwar American art scene.
71. "Why We Make Art: And Why It Is Taught" by Richard Hickman - Examines the motivations behind creating art and its value in education.
72. "Women Who Read Are Dangerous" by Stefan Bollmann - Explores the theme of women and reading in art history.
73. "Writing About Art" by Henry M. Sayre - A guide to effectively communicating about art.
74. "Your Inner Critic Is a Big Jerk: And Other Truths About Being Creative" by Danielle Krysa - Offers advice on overcoming self-doubt in the creative process.
75. "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values" by Robert M. Pirsig - While not directly about visual art, it's a profound meditation on the nature of creativity and quality.

This comprehensive list spans from foundational texts to contemporary insights, offering a wide lens through which to view and understand the multifaceted world of art.