I know you specifically disavowed a textbook, but you might consider Gardner's Art Through the Ages. It's a standard text for college with great photographs. Yo

I know you specifically disavowed a textbook, but you might consider Gardner's Art Through the Ages. It's a standard text for college with great photographs. You can find any person or style you hear mentioned and see what is being talked about. It's not a book you'd read through, but a reference you might like on your shelf. :-)