An illustrated survey of 280 works of art from throughout art history, from classical statues and frescoes to contemporary paintings, sculptures and installations, arranged in curated combinations to create meaningful visual connections between works from different periods.

It features art's most famous readers, such as Rembrandt, Perugini, Fragonard, Manet and Hopper, along with unexpected surprises from Van Gogh, Whistler, Currin and others. It is a timely celebration of books and reading at a time when print book sales are on the rise and independent bookshops are thriving again.