Exploring the writings of major thinkers (among them Montesquieu, Burke, Kant, Marx, and Freud), and leading art historians (including Pliny, Winckelmann, Ruskin, Pater, Gombrich, and Baxandall), as well as artists such as Alberti and Leonardo and scientists from Aristotle to Zeki, John Onians shows how an understanding of the neural basis of the mind contributes to an understanding of all human behaviors—including art.

"A book that changes everything"- David Carrier, Champney Family Professor, Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art

John Onians taught art history at the University of East Anglia from 1971 to 2007 and is now professor emeritus.