A friend of mine asked me about good books on art history for beginners, and was curious to know how rapidly the theory of art history changes over time.

I’m not much of a reader, but wanted to see if it’s worth promoting and finding more recent books that have a more inclusive and diverse perspective on the history of art.

There was a Taschen book on 20th century photography I saw at goodwill last week and there were so many naked women in it (nudity does not bother me) and there were maybe 3 photos of naked men included and it just made me think of all the other perspectives that are being excluded that aren’t straight, male and white. It is also called to mind that 80s campaign of “do women have to be naked to get into The Met?”

In terms of art history as a theory in academia, how often and significantly does it change? We know that the older a book of history or psychology is, the more likely it is to contain disproven theories. How similar is it in art history? Also if there are any books you recommend for me and my friend I’d love to hear them!