One of the most popular painters of all time, J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) created a remarkable collection of sketchbooks over the course of his career. Thoughtful, revealing, and beautifully rendered, Turner’s sketchbooks offer an unparalleled window into his creative process.

In the absence of detailed written accounts of his extensive travels, the notebooks also contain his impressions of the many places he visited across Britain and Europe. Now in paperback, this first full survey of the artist’s sketchbooks invites readers to take a privileged look over Turner’s shoulder, witnessing the creation and development of ideas that can be traced through to his major paintings.

Beginning with his teenage efforts and culminating in the atmospheric color studies of his last years, Turner’s Sketchbooks is a unique opportunity to explore the mind of a beloved artist.