Section 1: Artists describes the characteristic and features that provide a framework for looking at the work of more than 800 artists; e.g., What does Rembrandt do that no one else does? What was the subject that Matisse reworked over and over again? Most of the "entries" are painters, in order to keep the book a manageable size. Thus, Michelangelo and Picasso are included as painters, not sculptors.

There are 3 types of artists: All Time Greats (Leonardo da Vinci); National Heroes (Winslow Homer); and Contemporary Stars (Chuck Close).

This section also has artists' Web site addresses, where to find the best collections, and other useful information.

Section 2: Stories, Signs, and Symbols explains iconography and narrative in Western art; e.g., What is so special about St. Catherine and how do I recognize her? How are the 5 senses usually portrayed? Who is the figure who always carries an axe?

Section 3: Glossary quickly defines more than 600 essential subjects; e.g., What is gouache? What is the difference between conservation and restoration? What is Existentialism and which artists did it affect?