'There has not been anything as comprehensive as this for the general reader for a long time.' (Bookseller)
'Authoritative and carefully researched ... an extraordinarily vivid account of a fascinating time of change and reform Lambourne will always find the quote from the artist that makes the text come alive and his book, hefty though it is, makes for light and hugely enjoyable reading.' (Guardian)
 
'Handsomely designed ... furnished with remarkable pictures, many of them unfamiliar the text is excellent.' (The Sunday Times)

'A dream of an art book, combining fabulous illustrations, clear captions, and a text that is fascinatingly informative.' (Observer)

'After [a] long decline the reputation of Victorian artists is probably higher now than it has ever been and this splendid book celebrates this fact in no uncertain terms … Without being overly scholarly this is an excellent guide to the art of an era that above all celebrated wealth, creativity, energy and self-confidence.' (Country Landowner)

'Anyone entranced by the Lloyd Webber show at the Royal Academy should acquire this massive paperback … reproductions are excellent, and the text is quirkily informative.' (The Independent, 50 Best Books for Christmas)

Lionel Lambourne, OBE, was Head of Paintings at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London, from 1986 to 1993. His publications include Japonisme (2004) and The Aesthetic Movement (1996), also published by Phaidon.