The Short Story of Contemporary Art is a must-read introduction to this exciting and important period from bestselling author and art historian Susie Hodge. This fascinating pocket guide to art explains the how, why and when of contemporary art - who introduced certain techniques or genres, and why these matter. Simply constructed, the book explores 40 key works - from the iconic sculpture of Barbara Hepworth to the street art of Keith Haring and the performance pieces of Marina Abramovic - and links them to the most important movements, themes and techniques.

Accessible, concise and richly illustrated, the book reveals the connections between different periods, artists and styles, giving readers a thorough understanding and broad enjoyment of contemporary art.