Turner

Spanning the Renaissance to the nineteenth century, this volume offers concise, illustrated sketches of the lives and work of Europe’s most celebrated painters. Brief essays on Titian, Rembrandt, Raphael, Van Dyck, and others give listeners a lively sense of each artist’s style, their cultural context, and the stories that have shaped their reputations. The rich engravings that accompany the narration bring the masterpieces to life, making the book a vivid auditory gallery tour.

The centerpiece is a fresh portrait of J. M. W. Turner, drawn from recently uncovered letters, diaries, and eyewitness accounts. Its author wades through earlier biographies, separating rumor from fact, and highlights the personal traits that fueled Turner’s dramatic landscapes and luminous seascapes. Listeners will come away with a clearer picture of the man behind the myth, and an appreciation for the way his vision reshaped English painting.