The collections of The British Museum span all cultures and all ages, ranging from ancient Egyptian mummies to masterpieces of Greek and Roman art; from Celtic gold to Japanese paintings and traditional textiles from Africa. Today the Museum is bringing its collections up to date, and this highly illustrated book also features many recent acquisitions from all over the world. In his introduction the present Director, Robert Anderson, outlines the historical background to the Museum's recent redevelopment programme and offers an insight into the diverse range of activities engaged by this great storehouse of the world's culture. A final chapter outlines the work of conservation and scientific research.