A VERY well-balanced look at modern art in all its aspects its origins, its meaning, its impact and its popularity.

David Hopkins gets straight down to the nitty gritty when examining the works of the likes of Jason Pollock, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst and also provides a valuable laymans guide to such movements as Minimalism, Conceptualism and Pop Art.

His views are both refreshing and challenging, whether you are a believer or not, and above all he shows a welcome fairness and a fine sense of judgement.

Just the sort of book you need when theres something modern at your local gallery that you dont quite understand.