Good book for comprehensive art history and methods (visual arts)? I'm lacking!?

answers1: Well, you could try a book like the first one below, but
generally, when we are teaching introductory courses in the history of
art, we have traditionally assigned the classics, either Gardner or
Janson. I can't say that the writing is brilliant, but they are
comprehensive. <br>
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For more technical issues, such as color theory, you don't want a book
on art history. That's actually a separate subject covered in studio
arts/visual art courses and in books on these topics. <br>
<br>
Otherwise, I'd suggest that you look for books on individual topics
and periods in art history. They are where you are going to find
truly interesting scholarly writing.
answers2: That is a good observation