For the high end, give the book Seven Days in the Art World, by Sarah Thornton a read. It covers the contemporary art world from the viewpoints of art critics,

For the high end, give the book Seven Days in the Art World, by Sarah Thornton a read. It covers the contemporary art world from the viewpoints of art critics, students, artists, auction houses, etc. An easy read that gives you the overview of that world. For more ground level practicality, try What They Didn't Teach You In Art School, by Rosalind Davis or I'd Rather Be In The Studio by Alyson Stanfield.