Let's be clear from the start: this isn't a novel. 'A Popular Handbook to the National Gallery, Volume I' is exactly what it says on the tin—a guidebook. Published in the early 20th century, it was written by E.T. Cook and a team to help everyday people navigate the foreign paintings in London's famous museum. The 'plot' is simple: it takes you room by room, painting by painting, offering descriptions, backgrounds on the artists, and explanations of what you're seeing.

The Story

There's no protagonist or villain here, unless you count artistic ignorance! The book's journey is your journey through the gallery. It starts with the Italian schools, moves through the Dutch Masters, the Spanish painters, and so on. For each major work, it gives you the basics: who painted it, when, what the scene depicts, and why it's considered important. It's a structured walkthrough meant to turn a confusing collection of images into a coherent story of European art.

Why You Should Read It

This is the fun part. Reading this old handbook is a double adventure. First, it's genuinely useful if you want a solid, foundational tour of Western art's greatest hits from someone who assumed you were smart but not an expert. The language is clear and direct.

But second, and more fascinating, is the historical lens. You get the opinions and tastes of the Edwardian era. Which painters were they totally obsessed with? Which ones did they underrate? Their commentary reveals what they valued in art—often storytelling, moral lessons, and technical skill. It's like listening to a very knowledgeable, slightly opinionated ghost from 1911 whispering in your ear as you look at a Rembrandt or a Titian. You'll constantly be comparing their take with your own modern perspective.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for two kinds of people: art lovers planning a trip to the National Gallery who want a classic, no-nonsense primer, and history nerds who enjoy primary sources. If you like the idea of 'museum history' and seeing how public taste evolves, you'll find this absolutely captivating. If you're looking for a thrilling narrative or deep critical theory, look elsewhere. Think of it as a charming, intelligent, and slightly dated friend for your next gallery visit—either in person or from your armchair.