Tom Phillips's Painter's Alphabet is a delightfully clear and concise interpretation of what the function, use, and point of art is. From the collection at Dulwich Picture Gallery, he has chosen paintings which manifest his highly-defined aesthetic and have allowed him to range around the complex philosophical issues that the proper study of art should make us consider. However, by choosing subjects governed by alphabetical sequence and writing in a simple way, Tom Phillips has created a book which will become a classic of criticism. Although the text can be enjoyed by older children, its range and content will appeal to all lovers of great painting.